The Challenge of being found worthy to carry forward the legacy of Babasaheb …

As the nation rises to salute the architect of the Constitution of India, Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, on his 136th Birth Anniversary, the National Council of Churches in India pays it’s homage to this son of India who stands tall though from a completely disadvantaged and dis-privileged constituency – a context of discrimination based on decent and work.

Rising above the rubbles, Babasaheb embraced the power of education and subsequently political action to see through what we now have as the only hope of saving the nation – the Constitution of a strong and vibrant Sovereign, Socialist, Democratic, Secular Republic.

Babasaheb’s renunciation of a system which accorded religious approval to stratification and discrimination of persons and groups (infamous practice of untouchability based on heirarchy of castes) provides strength to stand up and affirm the intrinsic individual human right and freedom of mobility of human persons across religious affiliations.

Achievement of excellence in public life was the hallmark of Babasaheb’s influence even over not so favourable stalwarts of the then political scenario in India. He stood shoulder to shoulder with the occupier and the aggressor alike and established the inalienable right and value of equality of all human persons, and enshrined it in the Indian Constitution.

Selflessness in attitude, Secular in spirit, Strong and steadfast in mission Babasaheb continues to inspire us with the possibilities of rising from the ashes to lead forth a nation; no ‘seat’ of power, yet influencing and establishing the preeminence of the Sovereignty of those deliberately lost, rendered least and pushed to the last.

Long live the values of social justice and enduring legacy of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar . . .

May we be counted worthy of carrying this great legacy of all times …

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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Bringing Easter closer home …

Many in the hierarchy of the Christian Church and many others in the pew were greatly disturbed at the news of the ‘holy’ observances not permitted in the city of Jerusalem during the ‘Holy Week’, more importantly the observance of the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and the celebration of Easter.

Closer home in India, on account of discrimination based on descent and work, many are unable to enter places of worship, nor hold offices considered ‘sacred’ in faith communities for many centuries. For many among us who are upset that the Holy observances did not take place in Jerusalem, it does not resonate a similar reality in our own neighbourhoods. For far too many, Easter is something that happened long time ago.

In the closing chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, the writer of the Fourth Gospel attempts to bring Easter closer home to distraught disciples – from the formal table in the upper room to a dusty seaside, from the prescribed menu of the traditional Passover to a localised cuisine of fish and bread, significantly at day break on the ‘Third day’ – a deliberate shift from the Exodus of the past to the way forward post-resurrection when death has been conquered and life shared in more localised and tangible ways than the symbolic observance of the Passover.

The annual observance of Easter challenges us to bring the garden experience with the resurrected Jesus, the experiences of the disciples with Jesus on the road to Emmaus and the meal thereafter, and the revelation behind closed doors, into the neighbourhoods of every human person and all of creation in localised tangible ways. This is the challenge of the times; to bring ‘life in abundance’ in local and tangible ways, more importantly into the neighbourhood of conflicts and crime, wars and want, depravity and dispossession.

‘We have hit them hard, we have obliterated their capabilities, they will not be able to rise anymore’ are words that are not exclusive to any one context, in one corner of the World. They resonate everywhere including in our own times and in our own contexts. This is the context of the need for Easter coming closer home. However, in the process of realising the power of the cross and resurrection locally, ‘donkey-riders’ and ‘christ-communities’ continue to be framed and pounded hard; dispossessed to depravation, so that they will abandon the cause.

Thanks be to God, that ‘in-christ’ we are more than conquerors; and the ‘meek’ shall inherit the land while the dispossessed will be repaid here a hundredfold. To realise this we need to work to bring Easter closer home. We need to celebrate all ‘resurrection experiences’ everywhere of individuals and communities coming to life, however small or short-lived they may be. Heeding to the call “feed my sheep” we have to work out tangible mission strategies to help sustain those resurrection experiences of individuals and communities.

May Resurrection day 2026 challenge us to bring Easter closer home Today. May all christ-communities work out tangible ways for neighbourhoods to move from cross to resurrection, through ascension and to the experience of the power of the unconquerable indwelling Spirit of Pentecost.

May this day mark a real ‘Easter’ for everyone and everything around us, and thus for us too . . .

Happy Easter . . .

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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Christian Communtiy in India prays to STOP WAR

Sentiments of ‘stop the war, filled the air as representative of the Indian Christian Communities from across the country gathered together in prayer for World Peace. The Ecumenical Prayer for Peace was organised by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) on the Thursday the 12th of March 2026 in the CNI Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi

The President of the NCCI HG Geevarghese Mar Yulios opened the prayer with a call to Pray without ceasing as violence and strife emanated from everywhere in all corners of the earth. Through song and prayer the ecumenical community expressed their displeasure at the situation of war or cross border aggression in which almost all countries were either involved or implicated.

     

The Ecumenical Prayer for Peace brought together church leaders and members of the Christian community to pray for peace in the world. This was particularly in the context of the recent developments in the Middle East with regard to the US – Iran conflict.

     

Adv P. Wilson, Member of Parliament RS and Ms Sharon Dass Vice President, NCCI read portions from the Bible. Fr. Norbert Herman, Archdiocese of Delhi, Rev. Edwin John Wesley, age Neral Secretary, Evangelical Church of India, Dr. Bijoy A. Songma, representing World Baptist Alliance and Baptist Church Trust Association, Rev Dr Samuel Richmond, Director of Caleb Institute, Mr. Beivei Konah Simeon, Program Executive Youth Department NCCI, Rev Gershom Khisty, Auxiliary Secretary, North West India & Allahabad Auxiliary BSI prayed.

Dr. Basanti Biswas Principal, Kolkata Girls School, and Vice President NCCI, and Rt Rev Dr Mar Zacharius Aprem, Bishop Diocese of Delhi, Malankara Marthoma Syrian Church brought solidarity messages during the occasion. Choirs of the Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Salvation Army, the Methodist Church in India, and the Tamil Choir of the Cathedral Church of the Redemption presented songs in different languages expressing solidarity for the cause.

Archbishop Anil Couto, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India spoke on the occassion. HG Yuhannon Mar Demetrios, President of the North West India Council of Churches brought message from the Word.

Together, the gathering reaffirmed the call to intercede for peace, justice, and reconciliation among nations, particularly in the context of war-torn West Asia. Rev. Jyoti Singh Pillai Executive Secretary NCCI Women Concerns led the worship, while Mr. Anbazhagan, Ms. Sanjukta Mohanty and Ms. Shalini Rajendran of the NCCI National office assisted in organising this important national event. Rev. Dr. A. Joshuva Peter, Treasurer of NCCI, and Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary of NCCI graced the occasion and guided the organisers.

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Faith, Technology & Mission: Exploring AI and Social Media in Church Ministry

Nagpur, March 10:
An insightful seminar on “AI & Social Media for Christian Ministries” was organized in Nagpur through a joint initiative of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and the Christian Institute of Management. The seminar aimed to equip church leaders, communication professionals, and ministry workers with knowledge and practical skills for effective digital engagement.

The program began with a time of prayer and worship; Mr. Miracle Frank (CIM) and Ms. Neelam Gaikwad (NCCI) took the lead in organising this important learning event. CA. Richard Wesley from Hyderabad was the speaker. Discussions during the day highlighted the importance of media as an essential part of ministry today, emphasizing how churches and Christian organizations can effectively communicate their message through modern platforms.

Participants were introduced to various social media platforms that can support ministry outreach and engagement with wider communities. The seminar also focused on how ministries can enhance their communication impact by understanding media analytics and measuring audience engagement.

Another important aspect of the seminar was the exploration of Artificial Intelligence and its practical use in ministries. Participants were introduced to different AI tools and examples of how these technologies can assist in communication, content creation, and digital outreach.

The seminar concluded with a closing and feedback session where participants shared their learnings and appreciated the initiative to equip ministries with relevant digital knowledge in an increasingly connected world.

See more photos

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For Your kingdom is not built by swords, But by LOVE.

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), representing 19 million of Christians across the breadth of our nation, stands in deep solidarity with all people caught in the rising tide of conflict in West Asia. With sorrowful hearts and prayerful spirits, we raise our collective voice to call for an immediate end to hostilities, the protection of innocent civilian lives, and a return to the path of dialogue, diplomacy, and lasting peace.

We are profoundly troubled by the escalation of military actions and the rhetoric of war that endangers not only the peoples of Iran and the neighboring countries, but the stability of the entire Middle East and the broader world community. War brings immeasurable suffering — to the mother who mourns her child, to the family displaced and stripped of home, to the wounded soldier, and to the generations who inherit trauma and ruins.

As followers of the Prince of Peace, we are called to be peacemakers — not in naivety, but in the courageous belief that human dignity, justice, and reconciliation must triumph over the instruments of violence and domination. The Gospel compels us to speak when silence becomes complicity.

We therefore urgently call upon:

The Government of the United States of America and Isreal to renounce military escalation and pursue meaningful diplomatic engagement with Iran and regional partners, honouring international law and the sovereignty of nations.

The Government of Iran to equally commit to de-escalation, transparency, and good-faith negotiations that address  it’s legitimate Sovereignty and the security concerns of all parties without threatening regional neighbours.

The United Nations and the international community to act with urgency — facilitating ceasefire negotiations, providing humanitarian assistance to affected civilian populations, and holding all parties accountable under international humanitarian law.

The Government of India to use its position as a respected voice in global affairs to advocate actively for peace, mediate dialogue where possible, and protect the Indian diaspora in affected regions.

We also call upon our member churches, Christians throughout India, and all people of goodwill to stand in prayer, to raise their voices in their communities, and to advocate tirelessly for peace. The world does not need more weapons; it needs more bridges, more tables of negotiation, and more hearts turned toward one another in the spirit of shared humanity.

A PRAYER FOR PEACE

O God of all nations and peoples, God of promise, the God who hears the cry of the afflicted, We come before You with heavy hearts.

We grieve the drumbeats of war that echo across the earth, The missiles launched and lives shattered, The mothers weeping, the children fleeing, The ancient cities trembling under the shadow of destruction.

Lord, we confess that we have often chosen power over peace, Pride over humility, fear over faith. Forgive us — nations and people alike — For the arrogance that leads us to war.

We pray for the people of Iran — For every family that trembles tonight, For every young person who does not want war, For every voice of reason silenced by the machinery of conflict. Surround them with Your mercy and protection.

We pray for the people of the United States and Israel  — For wisdom to be granted to those in power, For the courage to choose diplomacy over destruction, For a nation to remember that greatness is not measured in firepower, But in justice, compassion, and the pursuit of peace.

We pray for leaders on every side — Soften the hardened heart, O God. Grant them the grace to see the face of the Other Not as enemy, but as neighbour, as child of God, As one who also bleeds, who also longs for home and safety.

Raise up peacemakers, O Lord — In the halls of power and in the streets, In the churches and mosques, in the schools and homes. Let the voices calling for peace be louder Than the voices calling for war.

We pray for India — our beloved land — That she may be a voice of wisdom and reconciliation, A bridge between peoples, faithful to her heritage of Ahimsa, And to the Gospel of peace entrusted to Your Church.

O Prince of Peace, You who stilled the storm, Still this storm. You who wept over Jerusalem, Weep with us, and then — rise in us, To do the work of peace.

For Your kingdom is not built by swords, But by love — suffering love, reconciling love, Love that lays down its life for the other. May that love — Your love — prevail.  Amen.

National Council of Churhces in India 

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Tribute Dr Ricky Syngkon

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A Friend of NCCI and a Leader by Example

The National Council of Churches in India mourns the passing of Dr. Ricky Andrew J Syngkon, a cherished friend, preacher and a political leader whose life exemplified integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him as colleague, collaborator, and companion in faith.

A Life of Service

Dr. Syngkon’s dedication to the people of Meghalaya and the nation was evident throughout his distinguished career. As Member of Parliament representing Shillong, he served with distinction, bringing the voices and concerns of his constituents to the national stage. His political journey, rooted in the Voice of the People Party, reflected his deep conviction that governance must serve the common good and uplift the marginalized.

In Parliament, Dr. Syngkon was known for his thoughtful contributions, his advocacy for the rights of indigenous communities, and his steadfast commitment to social justice. He understood politics not as a pursuit of power, but as a sacred trust—a means of building a more just and compassionate society.

A Friend of NCCI

Beyond his political service, Dr. Syngkon was a true friend of the ecumenical movement in India. His relationship with the NCCI was marked by constancy, wisdom, and genuine care. He participated actively in consultations and assemblies, bringing both theological depth and practical insight to every conversation. He understood that the work of Christian unity and witness required patience, humility, and courage—qualities he embodied fully.

Dr. Syngkon’s friendship extended beyond formal meetings. He remembered people, followed up on conversations, and offered encouragement when the work felt heavy. He built relationships that sustained institutions and strengthened the bonds of fellowship among us.

Leadership by Example

Dr. Syngkon led not by assertion of authority, but by the power of example. His leadership was characterized by:

Humility—content to serve without seeking recognition, faithful in places where visibility was low but faithfulness was essential.

Courage—unafraid to speak truth when justice demanded it, addressing communal violence, discrimination, and the marginalization of vulnerable communities with conviction rooted in prayer and Scripture.

Compassion—seeing people as image-bearers of God, each with their own sacred worth, and walking alongside those who were weary with pastoral care.

Wisdom—bringing theological insight and practical discernment to guide communities toward faithful action.

His Enduring Legacy

Dr. Syngkon taught us that unity is not uniformity, that justice is not optional for the Church, that leadership is a trust rather than a trophy, and that faithfulness—even when unrecognized by the world—is profoundly significant in the eyes of God.

Though his voice is now stilled, the echoes of his life continue. They reverberate in the lives he mentored, the communities he served, and the movements he helped to build. His legacy calls us to carry on the work of justice, reconciliation, and service to which he gave himself so fully.

As we grieve, we also give thanks—for his friendship, his leadership, his witness. We commend Dr. Ricky Syngkon to the tender mercy of God, trusting in the resurrection and the life everlasting. May his soul rest in peace, and may his example continue to inspire us as we press on in faith.

‘Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.’

— Matthew 25:23

In loving memory,

The National Council of Churches in India

And all who knew him as friend, colleague, and guide

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Staff Orientation program on Palestine – Israel issue

An Orientation on the Palestine-Israel crisis was conducted on 9th January 2026 in the NCCI Campus, Nagpur. This was an Initiative of the Kairos India Partnership (KIP) to capacitate staff of Christian Organisations and Churches on the Palestinian Issue.

Around 30 people from National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), Christian Service Agency (CSA), Young Man Christian Association (YMCA), Bible society of India (BSI) and pastors from Church of North India (CNI) and Marthoma Churches attended the orientation. 

The Program aimed to strengthen the understanding, commitment and ecumenical solidarity with the struggles of the Palestinian people and to relate their experiences with similar struggles for Justice among marginalized communities in India.

The Kairos India Partnership (KIP) is an initiative of Student Christian Movement (SCMI), National Council of YMCA’s, Christian Institute for Study of Religion and Society (CISRS), Christian Union of India (CUI), Board of Theological Education Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC), National Dalit Christian Watch (NCDW) hosted by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).

The Objective of Kairos India Partnership:

  • To facilitate dialogue and peace from the perspective of the communities in struggle.
  • To join in solidarity campaigns of people’s solidarity movements around the world.
  • To initiate dialogue among church leaders, faith-based organizations and people’s movements through biblical and theological reflections.
  • To formulate pastoral-aids in solidarity with the resisting communities.
  • To network among theologians to appraise churches on issues related to Kairos movements.
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Thank You, Hon’ble Prime Minister — Yet, a Call to Speak Up for the Christian community

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The visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to the Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi, on Christmas Day —particularly at a time when attacks on Christians, places of worship, and traditional religious symbols have been reported – can be perceived as a reassuring signal to the Christian community. It can suggest that the Government of the day and the political leadership of the National Democratic Alliance-led Union Government stand with the Christian community of India.

While welcoming this gesture by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) places on record its repeated earnest appeal to the Government of India and its NDA allies to unequivocally distance themselves from acts of violence and intimidation perpetrated by ill-informed miscreants. The NCCI calls upon the Government to condemn such attacks on the Christian community in the strongest possible terms and to initiate suo motu and decisive police action against those responsible. Such steps alone will ensure that the goodwill gestures extended by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on Christmas Day, and by other representatives of the ruling dispensation on various other occasions, are seen as meaningful commitments rather than symbolic appearances.

The NCCI firmly believes that clear and strong statements, coupled with prompt action from the highest authorities of the Government, will send an unambiguous message within the country. At a time when India seeks to emerge as a strong and responsible global economic power, such actions will also reassure the international community that India stands resolutely by its constitutional values and will not allow any individual or group to act with impunity, regardless of political proximity or alignment.

The NCCI expresses its sincere gratitude to all individuals, communities, leaders, and representatives from various political parties and organisations who have stood in solidarity with the Christian community during these difficult times, especially amid the recent attacks around Christmas. We reaffirm the Christian community’s unwavering commitment to work alongside all citizens in building a strong and united India, resisting any attempt from any quarter to undermine the spirit of the nation or its cherished secular character.

Jai Hind. Long live India.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)

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From Bethlehem to Neighbourhoods – NCCI Christmas program in New Delhi

From Bethlehem to Neighbourhoods, the Christmas Celebration of the National Council of Churches in India was attended by a cross-section of the Christian Community in the National Capital. Members of the Parliament, Officers from the Government of India and Delhi, Leaders of NCCI Member Churches and Organisations as well as friends from different faith communities graced the occasion.

               

Speaking on the occasion Adv. P. Wilson MP spoke on the need of the community to continue to share Christ’s message of love to the community despite the pressing times. He offered Christmas Greetings on behalf od the Indian Christian Parliamentarians Council. Mr. Ricky Syngkon MP stressed on Christmas holding all peoples together. He also prayed for the Country and the NCCI.

Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Anil Couto, Secretary General of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India, Rev. Dr. Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India and Rev. Dr. Ajith Kumar, General Secretary of the Church of North India Synod offered Christmas Greetings on the occasion. Ms. Nilakshi Rajkhowa, Director of Public Affairs, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai in India offered greetings on behalf of the different faith communities represented in and through the India Peace Centre.

His Grace Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios, Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, President of the National Council of Churches in India delivered the Christmas message. Rev. Dr. Joshua Peter, Executive Secretary United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India and Treasurer NCCI greeted all present on behalf of the NCCI. Rev. Asir Ebenezer welcomed the gathering and introduced the National Council of the Churches in India and its role and significance in today’s context.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, Bishop of the CNI Diocese of Delhi, HG John Mor Iraneus, Archbishop of the Diocese of Delhi of the Believers Eastern Church, Lt. Colonel Abraham Lincoln Mudda, Chief Secretary, Northern Territory of the Salvation Army, Rev. Edwin John Wesley, Bishop Commissary of the Delhi Diocese of the Evangelical Church in India participated in the Event. Choirs from the Church of North India, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Methodist Church in India and Ms. Grace Thaimei from Manipur presented Christmas songs in different languages that brought home the spirit of Christmas as well as the diverse contexts in which we affirm our faith and live it out.

The NCCI Christmas Programme stood as a powerful witness to ecumenical unity, inter-community harmony, and the enduring message of hope that Christmas brings to society.

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Tribute to Mr. Rajakara Rao

With deep sorrow and profound respect, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) mourns the passing Mr. Rajakara Rao on 2nd December 2025. He was a devoted servant of God and a committed leader of the Convention of Baptist Churches of Northern Circars (CBCNC) and also, a General Body Member of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) for almost 15 years.  

Mr. Rajakara Rao’s life was a testimony of faith, humility, and unwavering dedication to the CBCNC mission and its unity. As a representative of CBCNC, he stood as a bridge-builder between communities, always emphasizing the call of Christ to serve with compassion, justice, and love. His contributions to NCCI will be remembered with gratitude and honor.

We give thanks to God for his fruitful life and faithful service. Though we grieve his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he now rests in the eternal peace of Christ whom he served so faithfully.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, and the CBCNC community. May God’s comfort and strength surround them during this time of sorrow.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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