Emerging with the scar(s) of Bethlehem

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Christmas 2024

Banksy’s iconic ‘scar of Bethlehem‘ (2019) depicts the traditional manger scene against the backdrop of a grey wall which is suggestive of the wall that separates Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mark of a bullet hole in the painting creates an image reminiscent of the nativity star on the wall.

This piece of art serves as a candid reminder of the call to recognise the holes punched into the projections of supposedly impregnable posts that have until today sought to perpetuate vampirical empires of the times. Many years after the British artist’s work of resistance appeared in Bethlehem’s Walled-Off Hotel and drew media attention to The Wall, many walls continue to haunt situations of self-inflicted contexts of wars, want and despair.

Twenty years after the Accra Confession introduced by the World Communion of Reformed Churches named (read nailed) the empire as the enemy, we still see projections of supposedly informidable and unsurmountable empires with their treachourous trap to enslave all.

Our calling, after the manner of Jesus, puts us face to face with ‘powers and principalities’ underlying such empire constructs that deny life to all affirming it only to a few privileged ones. In these engagements we are invariably mauled and pressed from all sides by the unholy nexus of politics, religion and the market. Many have fallen resisting, but not without scars of the fight. Many since the Jesus of history, and in our own neighborhood, have been crushed and/or have fallen in resisting the vampire. The vampires have inflicted grievous wounds in our struggles leaving many a scar, yet ‘by those stripes we are healed’ and recouped for pressing on.

Let us add meaning to the observance of Christmas this year by identifying and lifting the likes of the scar(s) of bethlehem that will drive us to committing to a world with no walls, and a world that recognises and respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, groups and communities. In this process we too may be inflicted with many a scar; yet it is these scars of having stood up that can lead generations to the manger(s) of liberation and life-flourishing.

Wish you all a blessed Christmastide, and prayers for a good start to the New Year 2025. Let us emerge with, and recognising such imageries as, the scar(s) of bethlehem; rising to Life acknowledging ‘failing’ babylons of our times.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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Building and Growing Churches for All: NCCI IDEA and ECI Chennai Diocese Hosts Disability Sensitization Session for 300 Pastors

“Imagine a church where everyone feels they truly belong—where physical, emotional, and social barriers are removed, creating a community that embraces all.” With this vision, over 300 pastors from the Evangelical Churches of India (ECI) Chennai Diocese gathered for their monthly prayer fellowship, on 2nd November 2024 at ECI Zion Church Chennai. This included a thought-provoking disability sensitisation session. This initiative reflects ECI’s commitment to building an empathetic and accessible church environment, where disability inclusion is treated as essential to living out the Gospel’s message of love and acceptance. The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), through its Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (IDEA), collaborated to lead the session, sharing tools and insights to help pastors make their congregations more welcoming for people with disabilities.

The session covered key aspects of disability inclusion, including understanding disabilities, addressing barriers to accessibility, shifting attitudes within the church, and the importance of building a church that truly embodies openness and support. A key feature was the introduction of the Engage Disability audit tool—a resource designed to guide churches in self-assessment, helping them identify areas to improve accessibility and advocate for the inherent value of each individual.

The gathering was further strengthened by the presence of ECI leaders such as The Most Rev. Dr. David Onisimu, Bishop President of ECI; The Rt. Rev. Dr. Kathiroli Manickam, Bishop of ECI Chennai Diocese and Chairperson of the ECI Lydia Women’s Fellowship; and Bishop Commissaries Rev. Dr. Duraiswamy, Rev. Sasi, and Rev. Susuai Paul. Their participation highlighted the diocese’s dedication to building a welcoming environment for all.

During the session, Bishop Kathiroli Manickam encouraged pastors to join Indian Sign Language (ISL) courses and observe Disability Advocacy Sunday, underscoring ECI’s mission to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities within its churches. Rev. Ribin John, Executive Secretary of NCCI-IDEA, led the session, inspiring pastors to take these learnings into their ministries. And be committed to making their churches accessible and responsive, marking a meaningful step in the diocese’s journey to becoming communities of genuine care, understanding, and support for all.

 

Rev. Ribin John
Executive Secretary, Ecumenical Fora

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From Learning to Advocacy: The 3rd Batch of the NCCI IDEA ISL Course concludes

The 3rd batch of the Indian Sign Language course concluded with a call to use the learning to minister and advocate on issues and concerns relating to persons with speech and hearing disabilities. The ISL course is conducted by the Indian Disability Accompaniment (IDEA) Program of the NCCI. The first batch began on September 23, 2023, International Sign Language Day. The third batch ran from August 17 to October 20, 2024.

Through the 3 batches, over a period of twelve months, 80 students trained themselves to communicate with those who use sign language as their primary language. Participants included students, professionals, pastors, missionaries, and in the latest course from the services as well.

Pastor G. Shrihari from the Nellore Deaf Fellowship delivered the valedictory address challenging trainees to confront the misconceptions surrounding the deaf community. Rev. Asir Ebenezer, NCCI General Secretary, encouraged the trainees to continue their learning through community engagement. Ms. Madhuriya, the ISL trainer, significantly enhanced the course’s experience.

Classes were held every Saturday and Sunday from 6 PM to 8 PM on Zoom, supplemented by daily homework via WhatsApp. It is hoped that this initiative will build friendships within the deaf community and inspires churches and public events to include sign language interpreters.

Reported by

Mr. Nelson Nag
Porgram Executive, NCCI-IDEA

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Gustavo Gutierez – A Tribute

National Council of Churches in India mourns the passing of Rev. Gustavo Gutiérrez, a pivotal figure in liberation theology, who died at 96. His influential work, particularly his landmark book A Theology of Liberation, reshaped Christian thought, prioritising the plight of the poor and marginalised. Gutiérrez famously declared that poverty is not just an economic condition but a moral scandal, challenging the church and society to address this reality.

His insights encouraged the contextualization of theology rooted in God’s liberating action throughout history. He advocated for theology as a “critical reflection on Christian praxis in light of God’s word,” inspiring the development of third-world theologies that emphasize the experiences of common people. Indian liberation theologies owe much to his vision.

Born in Lima, Peru, on June 8, 1928, Gutiérrez’s early battle with polio deepened his empathy for human suffering. He rejected the prevailing Neo-Scholasticism of his era, instead promoting a theology grounded in the lived experiences of oppression and inequality. His work gained particular resonance during the political turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s in Latin America, where people sought justice.

Gutiérrez reimagined salvation to include human liberation and social justice as essential to the Christian message. His concept of the “preferential option for the poor” became a guiding principle, urging Christians to elevate the voices of the marginalized.

Despite facing criticism for the perceived influence of Marxian thought, Gutiérrez maintained that liberation theology should be subject to critical examination rather than outright condemnation. This approach enriched the understanding of faith in action.

His theological legacy serves as a call to actively engage in the struggles against poverty and injustice. Gutiérrez emphasized that Christian love must translate into action, challenging the church to address not only individual suffering but also the systemic structures perpetuating inequality.

As we reflect on Rev. Gutiérrez’s life and work, we celebrate his unwavering dedication to advocating for the poor and marginalized. His voice will continue to inspire us to seek justice, support the oppressed, and embody a faith deeply intertwined with humanity’s struggles. May his memory guide us in our quest for a more just and equitable world.

On behalf of NCCI

Rev. Dr. Abraham Mathew
Executive Secretary, Commission on Policy Governance & Public Witness

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Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam – A Tribute

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) acknowledges with deep respects the life and ministry of the Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam, the Father Bishop of the Evangelical Church in India (ECI) – the pioneer missionary and founder of the ECI.

The NCCI Community, and it’s leadership, expresses it’s deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the members of the family and to the members of the churches of the ECI spread throughout the length and breadth of this country and beyond it’s borders. May the spirit and legacy of the rich heritage of the ECI be sustained in you and your ministries of christian faith, and in the spiritual memory of your Father Bishop.

Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam is a committed Christian, who fashioned himself after the manner of our Master – Jesus the Christ. His commitment to preaching the gospel and making disciples “from every language and every tribe” is known to one and all. His commitment to the upliftment of the masses is noteworthy; his commitment to social justice and his call to political witness individually and severally was always seen to be born out of his deep rooted commitment to the Gospel. We thank God for his tenure as the Chair of the TN State Minority Commission. I must record with deep appreciation his role, along with several others, in the repealing of the TN Prohibition of forcible conversion Act – the only such Act to be repealed in the whole country. But for his influence in the Government of the time and the leadership of the Churches in Tamilnadu of that time represented by Bishop Dr. V. Devasahayam and Archbishop Peter Fernando we could not have done it.

Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam’s life is a witness to the faith of the measure of the mustard seed, and to power of responding to the call of God in deep obedience. It grows as a tree in which the birds of the air could nest, and the weary could rest in its abiding shade. He was an evangelist at heart, an enabler in attitude and an empowering agent – the ECI is a standing witness to who he was and what he believed; it can be said of him that he built the church of God and not a kingdom of his own.

Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam was a master planner. What ever he did, he did in scale. His ability for mass mobilisation is a gift from God and an expression of his faith. We note with humility that he pointed them all to God and not to himself.

His abilities to network with people in-country and across borders has been the hallmark of his sharing. He was a Christian who was a friend to peoples of all faiths and ideologies respecting their religious faith and ideological persuasions.

The NCCI Community, of which the ECI is one of the latest members, extends its solidarity and prayers to the members of the family, the leadership of the Church, and to every believer in the Church. May the God who built you up continue to journey with you, may the centrality of the Christian faith in which you are being built up sustain you, and may the in-dwelling spirit of God that unites us continue to propel you and us in the faith and witness of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ, as you are surrounded by witness of all those who have gone ahead of us – even your Father Bishop, Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam. Blessed be his memory, and sacred to the witness of Jesus the Christ.

All Glory and Honour be to our God for ever and ever, Amen.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCC India

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Rev. Dr. Enos Dass Pradhan – A Tribute

The National Council of Churches in India receives the news of the demise of Mr. Enos Das Pradan with deep sadness. He served as the Treasurer of the Church of North India Synod first, and then as its General Secretary. He served in various capacities including as the Office bearer of the Eastern Himalayas diocese for a long time.

During this time Mr. Pradhan gave good leadership to the Church of North India Synod as well the different dioceses of the CNI. He was a tall leader to whom the leaders of the Church looked up for direction and guidance.

Dr. Enos Das Pradhan has served as the Trustee of the CWM and the Deputy Moderator of the CWM Assembly. He gave leadership to the Communion of Churches in India as it’s Executive Secretary, as well as to the National Council of Churches in India as the Chairperson on the NCCI Commission for Policy Governance and Public Witness. During this time the NCCI started it’s Delhi operations again from the CNI Bhavan at Pandit Pant Marg, New Delhi.

We offer our deepest and heartfelt condolence to the family and assure them out ardent prayers

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCC India

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Honouring Champions of Accessibility, Resilience and Inclusion: NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024

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The NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 have been officially launched! In a significant moment during the NCCI General Body meeting on September 13, 2024, the awards were unveiled by NCCI President H.G. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Yulios. This second edition of the awards is set to celebrate exceptional contributions toward disability inclusion, spotlighting individuals and organisations working to create a more accessible world.

A Look Back: COVID Heroes Award 2022 The inaugural edition, known as the COVID Heroes Award 2022, was announced on December 15, 2022. This special award recognised those who provided vital support to persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the standout winners were Mr. Sandeep Paul, from the CSI School for the Intellectually Disabled, and the Shapiro Initiative, both celebrated for their tireless efforts in serving the disabled community during this challenging time.

NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 Categories

This year’s edition expands its focus with four unique award categories, ensuring that every aspect of disability inclusion and innovation is recognised:

  1. Persons with Disabilities: Celebrating individuals for their remarkable achievements and
  2. Individuals: Honouring those who have made a transformative impact on the lives of persons with
  3. Institutions: Acknowledging organisations for their exceptional contributions in care, sensitivity, and
  4. Innovative Interventions: Highlighting groundbreaking initiatives that improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

How to Nominate

Nominations are open until November 5, 2024, and the process is simple. Just scan the QR code provided on the official poster or clicking the link given bellow, which will direct you to the nomination form. Fill in the necessary details and submit your entry.

Be Part of the Change

The NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 seek to inspire and encourage more action toward creating an inclusive society. By recognising those who go above and beyond in their efforts, these awards shine a light on the importance of accessibility and dignity for all.

Stay tuned for the award ceremony in December 2024 and join us in celebrating those who are paving the way to a more inclusive future!

For More Info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16gDCB_onj2NnJoHawzCt3uoHcCB6R6Di/view?pli=1

For Nomination : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSdRcLOTb4GF7n8zNt70jk4s1LSlopMBFS13HHksdHYV4eqVIQ/viewform?usp=pp_url

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The journey of a thousand words begins with one sign

Launch of NCCI Indian Sign Language Course 3.0

Young students from diffent churches such as the Salvation Army, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Church of South India, Baptist Church of Nagaland and Andhra Evengelical Lutheran Church, hailing from the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana joined online Indian Sign Language course 3.0 of The National Council of Churches in India – Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (NCCI-IDEA). The virtual inauguration ceremony was held on 17 August, 2024. 

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of Pastor Praveen from the Deaf Fellowship Vijayawada, who inaugurated ISL 3.0, and the General Secretary of NCCI, Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, who motivated the new batch to be change-makers in the church and society. He also emphasized NCCI’s contributions in advocating with the government, media, and constituent members to introduce sign language as a part of their public events and programs. 

Ms. Y. Madhurya, a dedicated ISL teacher, continues to be the strong pillar for the third batch. ISL 3.0 marks the beginning of a journey in sign language for the new batch, bringing hope for more friends and colleagues who can communicate with people who use sign language as their first language.

Reported by Nelson Nag,

Program Executive, IDEA

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Independence Day 2024: Building from the bottom, one brick at a time…

On the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Independence Day (78th Independence Day) of the Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic of India, on Thursday the 15th of August 2024, we recognise with pride the enduring Sovereignty of the citizen.

Mandating a government which exists and functions as coalition governing partners, and identifying the need for an opposition in the democratic polity, the mind of the People of India is all but evident. What follows is the will of the government in power to heed this voice, and the role of the opposition to amplify the voice for the government to deliver and deliver efficiently.

Gram swaraj, captured in more than one ways in the panchayati raj system of participatory democratic governance, is one way in which we can continue to build on the gains of Mandate 2024. Through being thoroughly engaged in the panchayati raj form of local governance and its equivalence in the tribal and adivasi areas of the 5th and 6th Schedule States, the Indian citizen is capable of setting the country on the path of the ‘haven’ into which we would like to see our country awake.

Encouraging the citizen to participate in the process of local governance constructively and with a critical conscience, and acknowledging the role of the panchayats at the village to be involved in vision-casting for the country, are ways in which we can continue to grow as a people of this country – ‘leaving no one behind’.

While celebrating the hard-earned independence we as citizens of this great heritage that is India, together as those belonging to different faiths and ideologies, commit ourselves to work on the freedom of those who are enslaved through systems of religiosity, patriarchy, economic injustice, caste stratification, and such other enslavements relating to economic injustice and ethnic marginalisations.

We recognise a calling to hold each other accountable for what ails the ‘peoples’ of this country and an urgent call to address them together. We pray for a blessing of peace on our county and the entire neighbourhood and the world. We call on all Christians in the country to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow citizens in our common pursuit of Life-flourishing for ALL. Let us continue to build from the bottom, one brick at a time.

Jai Hind !

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCC India

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Prayer and Protest on 10th of August 2024 in different parts of India against 1950 Presidential Order

  

National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) – Commission on Dalit Concerns, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI) and National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC) jointly appealed to the Churches and Organisations to organise and proactively participate in observing ‘National Protest Day’ on 10th August 2024 to raise our protest regarding the continual negligence of the government to the cry for the rights of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in the country to make the  Presidential (Scheduled Caste) Order 1950 ‘religion-neutral’. 

In response to this call, many NCCI Member Churches, Regional Councils of Churches and Organization/forums organized a prayer and protest on 10th of August 2024 in different part of India. A memorandum was submitted to the President of India and the Prime Minister of India on behalf of the NCDC, endorsed by the NCCI and the CBCI.

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