When young people, hailing from different regions, churches, histories, and hopes, converged in one place, ecumenism ceased to be an idea and became an encounter. The NCCI Commission on Youth organised the School of Ecumenism from 12th to 16th August 2026, bringing together 35 young people representing NCCI constituents from Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu & Telangana. The five-day programme provided a space for young people to engage with the meaning and practice of ecumenism through reflection, dialogue, worship, cultural exchange, and exposure to various diversities.

Its commencement with the observance of International Youth Day, bringing young people and youth leaders into conversation around the theme Different Contexts, Common Aspirations brought resource persons from diverse faith traditions and professional backgrounds, encouraging participants to reflect critically on their responsibilities as young people and as members of a pluralistic society.

Across the five-day programme, participants were encouraged to learn, unlearn, and relearn, deepening their understanding of ecumenism while engaging with the rich plurality of faiths, traditions, and practices that shape India’s diverse social and religious landscape.  Through interactive sessions and critical discussions, participants engaged with the theological foundations, historical development, contemporary expressions, and emerging challenges of ecumenism, fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the ecumenical movement.  The programme sought to move beyond understanding ecumenism solely as an institutional or organisational concern and presented it as a lived shared-commitment to unity, justice, dialogue, and mutual respect.

School of Ecumenism intentionally created space for transgender persons, persons with disabilities, and people across generations, to highlight the importance of creating communities in which diversity is recognised, respected, and meaningfully included. Learning extended beyond the classroom through immersive visits and meaningful dialogues with multi-faith communities and social movements, enabling participants to engage with diverse perspectives, lived realities, and collective struggles for justice.

Yet the deepest learning was perhaps found in the spaces between people. Strangers slowly became companions; difference became dialogue; dialogue ripened into friendship. What began as a gathering of diverse individuals ended as a community carrying a shared ecumenical consciousness. They came as strangers but left as friends, and most significantly, as ambassadors of ecumenism.

The third School of Ecumenism, a significant annual event of the NCCI Commission on Youth, thus provided a meaningful platform for young people to embody, embrace and advance the spirit of ecumenism in their churches and communities.

The team of interns and volunteers, Ms. Lina Zhimo, Mr. Methuselah Riahmei, Mr. Emmanuel Joel, and Ms. Irene David, provided assistance, while Mr. Bevei Simeon Konha, Program Executive – COY, facilitated the programme. Ms. Smriti Priyansha, Executive Secretary – COY, coordinated the overall programme. Their collective efforts ensured the programme’s smooth and effective execution.

Smriti Priyansha

Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth

The National Council of Churches in India welcomes the move of the Home Minister Shri Amit Shah to refer the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. On behalf of the historic and nationally networked Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India representing the religious and mission aspirations of 19 million Christians we thank the Honourable Home Minister and the Government of India for heeding to the request of the Christian Community.

We thank the leadership and functionaries of all political parties who also advised the government in this regard. We look forward to engage with the JPC as they prepare the report for the Winter sesssion.

We are grateful to the leadership of the Churches in India, and to all the faithful, for their constant prayer support. We thank the members of the civil society for their support and encouragement, and for the recognition of the selfless service of the christian community and church run institutions.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

A delegation of Leaders of Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic Churches (in the fellowship of the CBCI, NCCI and EFI) and Leaders of leading Christian Missions met the Union Home Minister Shri. Amit Shah in Parliament House yesterday evening (6th August 2026). The meeting lasted for an hour. Top officials of the MHA were also present.

The delegation made it’s demand that the bill NOT BE PASSED without addressing the concerns relating to deemed cessation, prescribed use of assets ‘seized’ by the vesting authority, violation of rights enshrined in the Constitution including relating to setting up and managing institutions by religious minorities, introduction of administrative and judicial processes affirming principle of natural justice, and those that perpetuate from the 2010 Act particularly that a mere FIR on a trustee can lead to cancellation of the registration.

Alternately, the leaders also placed on record the demand that the Bill introduced as early as March 2026 BE REFERRED TO A COMPETENT BODY under the Constitution that will take into consideration concerns of all rights holders, duty bearers and stakeholders, including that of the Government’s alleged objective ‘to enhance transparency and accountability of public funds received through overseas funding with conditions and for specific purposes’, before being taken up for discussion in the Parliament. The leaders opined that this will affirm the stand of the Union Government that the bill is not against any one community nor has a hidden agenda of abrogation of properties and take over of management of institutions owned/ run by minority communities.

Despite an initial hesitation that the Christian community’s concerns were unfounded and based on the community’s misconception that the act was only against the Christian community, Honourable Home Minister subsequently understood that the concerns were real and listened to the apprehensions and anxieties of the leaders over the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 with keen interest and a seemingly open mind.

The Home Minister, stressing that the proposed bill is ‘religion-neutral’, assured the delegation that the demands of the Christian community will be taken into consideration, and if required and appropriately advised the Union Government will have no hesitation to even amend the 2010 Act as desired.

On being appraised that there were instances of cancellations of the FCRA registrations without following due processes of serving notice or prior hearing, the Honourable Home Minister directed that they be brought to his notice at once for redressal.

The National Council of Churches in India is grateful to the Honourable Home Minister, Government of India, for the opportunity to brief him on the demands of the community. The meeting echoed the sentiments of the supreme leadership of the NCCI Member Churches expressed in the Heads of Churches Conclave that was held in Bengaluru on 4th August 2026, ahead of the Home Minister’s meeting yesterday.

HG Dr. Yuhannon Mar Demetrios, Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church also representing the President and the Vice Presidents of the NCCI, Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Joshuva Peter, Executive Secretary, United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India and Treasurer NCCI, Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary NCCI, Most Rev. Dr. Ruben Mark, Moderator of the Church of South India, Adv. Fernandis Rethinaraja General Secretary CSI, Rev. Dr. Ajit Kumar General Secretary Church of North India, Rt. Rev. Paul Swarup, Bishop CNI Diocese of Delhi also representing the Moderator CNI, Rt. Rev. Zacharias Mar Aprem Episcopa, Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi of the Marthoma Syrian Church also representing it’s Metropolitan, Adv. Malthyus D Sangma, Peace and Justice Secretary of the Council of Baptist Churches of the North East India represented the 19 million Christians of the NCCI constituency in the 17-member delegation to the Home Minister.

Shri P Wilson Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, Chair of the Joint Action Forum on Minorities, and Convenor of the forum Shri John Samuel, Former Post Master General, coordinated the meeting and facilitated the discussion with the Home Minister on behalf of the Christian communities cutting across all regions, denominations and sectors of Christian social engagement.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI.

Heads of Member Churches of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) met in Bengaluru on Tuesday 4th August 2026 ahead of an important meeting with the Government of India. His Grace Geevarghese Mar Yulios, President of the National Council of Churches in India presided over the meeting, supported by the NCCI Office bearers.

Leaders representing 19 million christians adhering to 32 historical and traditional christian lineage of the Protestant and Orthodox christian heritages discussed the implications of the FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 that is before the Parliament for discussion and decision. That the Amendment is seemingly violative of the Rights of Minorities enshrined in the Constitution of India; and that the Bill is seeking to amend a law that is already problematic with regard to what is laid down and interpreted as ‘violation’ both in letter and spirit, as well as how it is interpreted and implemented arbitrarily, was noted. The leaders took serious note of the narrative that the registrations under FCRA are cancelled on account of foreign money being used for ‘conversion’ and activities affecting national security, and that Christians are agents of foreign countries to destabilise the nation,

The possibility of misuse by the Executive to divest properties inherited and owned by christian institutions with history and emotion, lack of administrative and judicial processes for review of acts of omission and commission, the idea of deemed cessation, the functions of the vesting authority vis-a-vis the vested properties, were highlighted as those which are problematic with the proposed amendment. That the proposed amendment is silent on whether it will come into effect retrospectively was also noted. Leaders emphasised that the work of Jesus the Christ will be continued as the Churches Mission of Compassion to the majority in the country whether ‘money received through global sharing’ is accessible or not. They also affirmed that the mission of the Church in achieving positive indicators on health, nutrition, education, poverty alleviation and eradication of hunger will continue unabated until the Country achieves its SDG targets and ALL people are well on their way to achieving the Country’s Gross National Happiness.

Matters relating to the undesirability of the Uniform Civil Code, the structural Violations relating to the practice of the Freedom of Religion and Belief including the longstanding appeal to make the 1950 Presidential order religion-neutral, Attacks on Christians and Churches, the issues of ones faith and belief contradicting the mandatory singing of the full version of the National Song albeit in certain occasions, concerns relating to the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan 2025, affirmation of the immediate implementation of the Women Reservation Bill, the call of Youth of this country for transparent and accountable public governance and the unnecessary call in some quarters for a National Welfare Board for Christians, were also discussed. Suitable directions were suggested and the Secretariat was mandated for necessary and timely follow up

Supreme Heads, their representatives, and Leaders of the Church of North India, the Church of South India, the Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Methodist Church in India, the Salvation Army, the Hindustani Covenant Church, the Malabar Independent Syrian Church, the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East, the Arcot Lutheran Church, the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church, the South Andhra Lutheran Church, the Mennonite Church in India, the Good Samaritan Evangelical Lutheran Church, the India Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Jeypore Evangelical Lutheran Church, the National Organisation of the New Apostolic Church, the Believers Eastern Church, and the Evangelical Church in India, among others, participated in the Conclave.

The Presbyterian Church in India, the Council of Baptist Churches in North East India, and the Baptist Church in Mizoram was represented through the presence of the North East India Christian Council. Leaders of NCCI Member Organisations located in Bengaluru were also present along with leaders from the Karnataka Council of Churches, the regional body of the NCCI. The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) were represented in the meeting through its Deputy Secretary General and President respectively. The Bangalore Regional Conference of the Methodist Church in India hosted the meeting. Staff the NCCI National Office and Secretariat ably supported the meeting.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary NCCI

A Solidarity Statement of the Commission on Youth –

National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)

Today, the voices of India’s students and youth are echoing across every corner of the nation. What began as a demand for an educational and examination system that is honest, transparent, fair, and accountable has grown into a wider call for justice, integrity, and equal opportunity. At the heart of this movement is a generation yearning for a just system, institutions that inspire public trust, and equal opportunities for every student to learn, flourish, and pursue their aspirations. Their concerns reflect deep disappointment with systemic failures and a longing for a nation where fairness, accountability, and hope remain the foundation of public life. This is a call to the conscience of our nation that deserves to be heard with sincerity and responsibility.

It is deeply concerning that peaceful democratic protests have, in many instances, been met with force instead of dialogue. Reports of lathi charges, tear gas, and other coercive measures against students and concerned citizens are distressing, particularly in a nation that takes pride in being one of the world’s largest democracies and is founded on constitutional values. Peaceful protest is not a threat to democracy—it is one of its greatest strengths. Responding to the aspirations of young people with confrontation rather than meaningful engagement risks eroding public trust and weakening our democratic spirit. The courage to listen, engage in dialogue, uphold justice, and exercise restraint must prevail over intimidation and the suppression of legitimate voices.

The Commission on Youth of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) stands in prayerful solidarity with every student and young person whose hopes have been shaken by systems that have failed to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. We recognize the courage of those who continue to raise their voices peacefully in pursuit of truth and accountability, and we remember with sorrow all those whose lives have been affected by this crisis. These protests should not be mistaken for a sudden awakening. Across generations, young people have never been silent spectators. Whenever systems have failed—in education, employment, or democratic life—they have stood up with courage and conviction. The pursuit of fairness, equal opportunity, and accountability has always been central to youth movements in India.

We urge the Government and all concerned authorities to address their legitimate demands and concerns with sincerity, urgency, and transparency, to safeguard the rights of students and youth across the country, both at present and in the future, and to restore public confidence through accountable governance. We also commend the utmost restraint shown by students, youth, and concerned citizens in upholding the principles of peace, non-violence, and democratic engagement. The strength of our democracy lies not in silencing dissent but in listening with wisdom and safeguarding the dignity and rights of every person.

A nation that calls its youth to study hard, dream big, and contribute to society must also honour its responsibility to protect their rights, listen to their concerns, and ensure they are never subjected to unfair treatment for standing up for justice. As an ecumenical fellowship, we believe the Church is called to stand wherever human dignity is threatened and justice is denied. We therefore invite churches, faith communities, youth organizations, civil society, and all people of goodwill to join in prayer and faithful action for a nation where truth is honoured, justice is upheld, and every young person can live, learn, and dream with hope. In this defining moment, may we choose truth over silence, hope over despair. The Scriptures remind us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17), and “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” (Amos 5:24).

May our nation shine with justice, hope, and dignity for all.

Mihika M Bhore
Chairperson – Commission on Youth, NCCI

Smirti Priyansha
Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth, NCCI

Bevei Konah Simeon
Programme Executive – Commission on Youth, NCCI

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) joins the Church, theological institutions, ecumenical partners, and countless friends in mourning the passing of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer, an eminent theologian, visionary educator, committed ecumenist, and tireless advocate for justice and human dignity.

Rev Dr. Larbeer’s life was a remarkable testimony to the inseparable relationship between faith and social responsibility. Throughout his ministry and academic leadership, he consistently demonstrated that theology must emerge from the lived realities of people, especially those who experience marginalisation, oppression, and poverty. His theological vision was deeply rooted in the struggles and aspirations of the vulnerable, making him a prophetic voice in both Church and society.

As Principal of Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai,he inspired generations of students to understand theological education not merely as an academic pursuit but as a transformative journey of discipleship, justice, and service. Under his leadership, theological formation was closely connected to the concerns of ordinary people, equipping future ministers to engage courageously with issues of human dignity, liberation, and social transformation.

Rev Dr. Larbeer’s contribution extended to the wider ecumenical theological community through his service as Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC). In this significant national role, he helped shape theological education across India and South Asia by promoting academic excellence, ecumenical cooperation, contextual theological reflection, and ministerial formation.

The ecumenical movement in India has lost a distinguished leader whose life reflected the values of inclusion, compassion, and prophetic witness. Yet, his legacy continues through the countless students he mentored, the communities he served, and the theological vision he bequeathed to the Church.

As we give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer, we pray that his witness will continue to inspire churches, theological institutions, and future generations to pursue a faith that stands with the oppressed, protects human dignity, and bears faithful witness to the liberating love of Christ.

The National Council of Churches in India extends its heartfelt condolences to Rev Dr Margret Kalaiselvi and Ms Manju, the bereaved family members, colleagues, former students, and all whose lives were touched by his ministry.

May the soul of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer rest in God’s eternal peace, and may his memory remain a blessing to the Church and society.

Rev Dr Asir Ebenezer

General Secretary

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

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

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.

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