At 75: Recognising the time of God’s favour

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India wakes up today brimming with hope as we her citizens celebrate 75 years of collective dignity and self-respect. As a young democracy and a vibrant Republic we have done well to rally around each other and hold our heads high.

While on this day we come out in our best, we do not forget the responsibility that is reposed on each of us jointly and severally in order to see that the smiles with which we pose today are real in the life of the least of our fellow-citizens.

We stood up to being bullied, we rallied around each other  during the worst of calamities, we had each others back to overcome our failings, and we depended on each other to set governments in power.

At this time of celebrating our common heritage, we commit to uphold the trust we have in the wisdom of each other, the collective strength of our varied faith experiences and ideological expressions, and the passion that we have to be among the first of the nations.

This dream can be ‘dearer’ than distant when we learn to hold up the least and the last among us as the most important, and design a polity that protects their right and ensures their personal and spatial safety.

Rhetoric and actions that continue to demonise the ‘other’ and terrorise the least do not quite pave the way to where we want to be; they at best create more mistrust and perpetuate polarisation.

It is time we the common citizens identify together the elephant in the room, the wolf in sheep skin, and set the house in order so that we can last for many more years to come.

It is time to affirm the democratic principles not just toy with numbers, the visible expression of a secular state that is equidistant from all religious traditions, and the enhancement of the naturally prevailing goodwill and harmony of all peoples in every neighbourhood.

It is time to be ahead of the curve with all well meaning citizens of the country and consciously start cultivating the spirit of India, concertedly identify and nurture selfless leaders for the future, build a consensus people’s vision of the nation, and plan a time-bound strategic framework to realise the dream.

It is time to harness the spirit of building a New International Financial and Economic Architecture that ushers in a measurable inclusive development where the sovereignty of the least prevails

It is time to reawaken the literary and cultural legacy of the peoples of the varied landscape breaking forth into a renaissance of liberation

It is time to pay forward the sacrificial grace that we have received from our forebears and ensure to the future generations the idea of India that was handed down to us

It is time to ward off our shackles and walk free into the streets of our motherland singing songs of liberation dancing to usher the era that will know no fear

Now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation

God bless India

Jai Hind !

Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India

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Manipur: Call for Immediate Intervention to Restore Peace and Harmony

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), officially representing 14 million Christians belonging to the Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India, expresses deep sense of anguish and concern regarding the recent escalation of violence and unrest in the state of Manipur. It has been almost two years since the outbreak of ethnic strife in the region, and the situation continues to spiral out of control, leading to widespread suffering, loss of life, displacement, and immense hardship for the people.

The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. The people of Manipur are caught in a state of utter hopelessness, as their lives have been disrupted by relentless violence and insecurity. Families have been torn apart, and entire communities have been displaced from their homes. Children could not continue their studies. Basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare are no longer accessible to many, as the conflict disrupts the normal functioning of society. The continued instability is eroding the very social fabric of Manipur, and the toll on the mental and physical well-being of the people is staggering.

We strongly condemn the violence in the strongest terms and express our grave concern over the lack of sufficient and timely intervention by the authorities. Despite numerous appeals from various sections of society, the conflict remains unresolved, and the suffering of the people continues unabated. We believe that the failure to restore peace and security in Manipur is not only a national tragedy but also a reflection of the systemic breakdown of governance and the rule of law in the state.

We urge the Government of India to take immediate and decisive steps to end the violence in Manipur and restore peace. Specifically, we urge the following:

  1. Immediate and Robust Deployment of Central Forces – We request the immediate deployment of additional central security forces to Manipur to restore law and order, protect innocent civilians, and prevent further bloodshed. The presence of central forces will hopefully provide a neutral and authoritative presence that is needed to de-escalate tensions and stop the violence.
  2. A Transparent and Inclusive Peace Process – We appeal for the initiation of an inclusive and transparent peace process that involves all affected communities, local leaders, and civil society organizations. A meaningful dialogue should be facilitated to address the underlying causes of the conflict, promote mutual understanding, and pave the way for lasting peace.
  3. Swift Humanitarian Aid and Relief – As winter is approaching fast, we request Immediate relief be provided to the victims of the violence, particularly the displaced persons, the elderly, children, and those with special needs. Relief operations should ensure access to essentials such as food, water, medicine, winter clothes and shelter. Additionally, we urge the Government to work with faith-based organizations, NGOs, and community groups in providing humanitarian support.
  4. Accountability for Acts of Violence – We urge the authorities to ensure that all acts of violence are thoroughly investigated irrespective of ethnic differences and that those responsible for committing heinous acts are held accountable through the legal process. The people of Manipur deserve justice and a sense of security that their rights will be upheld under the law.

The intervention of the state authorities has often been viewed with suspicion by different communities, and there is a growing perception of partiality that undermines trust and confidence in the political process. The State Government must act as a neutral mediator and facilitator for peace, ensuring that the voices of all affected communities are heard and that no group is marginalized in the peace process.

The time to act is now. We appeal to the President of India, the Prime Minister, and the Home Minister to intervene urgently, not only to bring an end to the ongoing violence but also to restore harmony, trust, and cooperation among the communities in Manipur. The need for leadership, compassion, and a commitment to justice has never been more critical.

We also urge the Church and all people of faith to continue praying for peace and healing in Manipur, trusting that God’s love will help heal wounds, restore brokenness, and lead to lasting peace.

NCCI extends support to the Government’s efforts in restoring peace and stability in Manipur, offering collaborative initiatives that foster dialogue, reconciliation, and long-term harmony among all communities.

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer 
General Secretary, NCCI

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NCCI lends voice to today’s Doctors’ protest and those protesting all over the country

As the medical communities rise up together, and the entire country with them, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) lends it’s voice to those that condemn the ‘rape and murder’ incident of the young PG Trainee in the R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, on 9th of August 2024. The Government must bring the real culprits to book without any further delay, and take action on all those who have acted irresponsibly and without basic sensitivities.

Through periodic advisories the NCCI has been requesting the leadership of the Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India to maintain Zero- Tolerance to Gender Based Violence in its faith affirmations and articulations. The Churches in the membership of the NCCI and their units have been advised to be compliant to the provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, including formation of Internal Committees where statutorily mandated and conducting periodic orientation to staff as mandated under the Act.

Through the Thursdays in Black Campaign and the 16 Days of Activism (Nov 25 to Dec 10 every year) the NCCI community have been continuously challenged to address all forms of violence against women, and to work to address every form of such violence. The Churches have been in many ways addressing every form of toxic-masculinity and inviting young and old toward building up a society whose boys and gentlemen are shaped on premises of redemptive and transformative masculinities.

We offer sincere prayers that the soul of the departed be reposed in God, and everlasting Peace be upon the parents, siblings and all the members of the family.

We commit again to serious interventions in our Churches and Institutions all over the country to nurture and promote responsible and respectful behaviour between peoples of all Gender Identities, and to the safety of women and those others with gender vulnerabilities.

While it is a time to hang our head in shame, we also commit to tirelessly endeavour and leave no stone unturned in order that the women and girls in this country will be able to walk with their head held high anytime of day or night, wherever they like to go, and however they want.

In solidarity and with blessings of abiding Peace that comes from Jesus who was also unjustly killed, yet lives in all who dare death in its face. Let that power give us victory and guidance in this situation and always.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI.

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‘Dalit Christians’: 74 years of structural discrimination based on Religion

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On August 10th this year, as in previous years, Christians across the country observe the National Day of Prayer and Protest. On this day Christians seek to highlight and protest the denial of the fundamental constitutional rights to a section of them because they decided to embrace Christianity as a religion of their choice.

When India became a Republic, we resolved as a nation to secure Justice, Equality, Liberty and Dignity for all our citizens. Members of castes worst affected from centuries of social oppression, the Scheduled Castes (SCs), were constitutionally assured special protection and affirmative benefits. These measures are necessary to help them overcome the effect of centuries of discrimination and oppression. Unfortunately these fundamental rights have been denied to the Dalit communities converted to Christianity and Islam through the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950, even though this privilege was extended in 1956 to Sikhs and in 1990 to Buddhists of dalit origin. Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims continue to be kept outside this privilege.

Approximately 70% of the Christian population in India are from Scheduled Castes background. Dalit Christians have a unique history of faith experiences because of their caste identity. They embraced Christianity as a faith affirmation against caste slavery and these experiences vary according to regional contexts. It is not only common knowledge but also borne out of numerous extensive research studies that the Dalits are unfortunately still identified first by their caste by a large section of the Indian society. All their other identities, arising from their religious, regional, linguistic and other affiliations are secondary identities that do nothing to displace the severity of the caste-based discrimination and violence that they suffer.

Followed by the decades long mass struggles and advocacy initiatives, finally a Writ Petition (180/2004) was filed in the Supreme Court of India by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation challenging the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The Writ Petition is also looking for justice from the apex court to allow and extend the Scheduled Caste status to Christians of Scheduled Caste origin for availing special privilege in education, getting scholarships, employment opportunity, welfare measures, affirmative actions, right to contest in the reserved constituencies from panchayat, legislative assemblies up to the Parliament and for availing the legal remedy/protection under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes (Prevention) of Atrocities Act, 1989 amended in the year 2018.

On January 7th 2020, The Supreme Court agreed to examine the plea filed by Adv. Franklin Caesar Thomas that Dalit Christians or Christians of Scheduled Castes origin should enjoy the same quota benefits reserved for Scheduled Castes. The Civil Writ petition is pending before the Hon’ble Court for further hearing. The Supreme Court has a monumental opportunity now to render justice to millions of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims who continue to suffer from social stigma and the horrors of untouchability.

In October 2022, the Central Government appointed the Justice K.G. Balakrishnan Commission to examine the Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and Muslims, with a mandate to report back in two years. On May 30th and 31st, 2023, the Church of South India conducted a public hearing in Chennai, titled “A Cry for Justice.” This event focused on Christians of Scheduled Caste origin and documented the discrimination they faced within churches and society throughout Southern India. The NCDC, in collaboration with the NCCI and CBCI, organised conclaves across India on the topic of extending Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims The findings are to be filed before the Justice Balakrishnan Commission.

Meanwhile in the Supreme Court all petitioners were instructed to combine their filings, with Advocate Gauthaman appointed to oversee the process. Despite these actions, the case was listed but has not yet been heard and remains pending. The 74 years of struggle for justice should be supported by the people who believe in equality and democracy. We await Justice with earnest faith in God.

A Prayer and Protest session is organised in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 10th August 2024 from 10 AM to 1PM along with the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC). Elsewhere in the Country, Christians and Churches will join together locally for sessions of prayer and protest on the same day.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
August 2024

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No one is complete without the Other – Reflection on Marriage Equality Case

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We note with concern the sentiments and emotions of persons with varied gender identities and sexual orientations with regard to the judgement of the Honourable Supreme Court in the ‘marriage equality’ case. We also note with respect the optimism in the community to take the ‘setback in expectation’ as a means to a way forward.

The National Ecumenical Forum for Gender and Sexual Diversities is a space in the National Council of Churches in India NCCI-NEFGSD mandated by its constituents, to explore and understand gender identities and sexual orientations, in order to advise the Church to grow into an inclusive communion of all people. The NCCI- NEFGSD will study the judgement together and accompany the community in the pursuit of equal rights, as well as of the dignity of the LGBTQIA+ Communities.

The NCCI – NEFGSD will also seek to initiate conversations within faith communities on traditional beliefs, faith affirmations and teachings of the church on the institution of marriage and constructs surrounding the same in order that no one is left behind, ‘kept outside,’ or ‘shut out’ from the ambit of God’s embrace of All.

The Ecumenical Document on Human Sexuality (2010) of the NCCI states:
1. Love in all its forms, ‘agape’, ‘philea’ and ‘eros’, is central to the Christian understanding of the divine and the consequent ordering of human communities.
2. Sexuality is characteristic of our being created in the image of God and has the potential to facilitate our becoming in God.
3. Sexuality is essentially relational and has pluriform expressions.
4. Sexuality can however be distorted.
5. We need to Re-read Sexuality in Scripture, Tradition and Liturgy
6. The dichotomy between spirituality and physicality is blurred when sexuality is embraced within a horizon of human flourishing and covenantal love.
7. The Church has to be an inclusive just community

The Constituents of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), a forum of historical and traditional churches of the Protestant and Orthodox denominations and the related Councils, Organisations and Agencies, have been accompanying and have been accompanied by persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations for over two decades trying to understand their respective and all identities and orientations.

We pray for all those who feel left out and/ or let down, and pledge support in our common pursuit of Life-flourishing. No one is complete without the other.

Blessings and Peace

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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NCCI demands restorative justice; appeals for lasting solution to the Manipur context

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), a fellowship of Protestant and Orthodox churches, condemns the violence in Manipur and urges the State and Central Governments to take immediate steps to restore normalcy. Attack on life and property, and providing a communal colour to an otherwise non-religious issue is unacceptable.

We are deeply saddened by the sequence of events that have unfurled in the state, polarising people into hostile camps. We recognize that there are long-term grievances within the communities that need to be addressed through dialogue at different levels. In this strained situation we urge the Government and its administration to develop confidence between communities, taking strong and impartial action against those who indulge in violence and spreading of hate campaigns.

Reports reveal the tragic nature of the devastation caused, especially the heavy loss of innocent lives in the clashes. Worship places and houses were attacked and burned, and heavy damages inflicted on public and private properties. In this context, we urge the communities to refrain from any violent acts as violence is not the answer to such issues. We also urge the communities to support the authorities in bringing peace and normalcy to the region.

We urge the National Human Rights Commission and the National Minorities Commission, as well as the State Human Rights and Minority Commissions, to take suo moto cognisance of the matter and address the situation. The Government of Manipur must take responsibility for restoration of life and rebuilding communities, churches and temples vandalised, and restarting destroyed establishments.

We fully understand the sentiments, emotions and grievances of people in thick of the violent context and encourage the faith communities in the region to take initiative towards dialogue for peace and communal harmony. To this end also we express our solidarity and stand by for any assistance or accompaniment required in building peace.

Acknowledging the steps that have been taken, we appeal that this crisis situation will be used as an opportunity to bring a lasting solution to the long-vexed context.

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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NCCI condemns attack on Christians in Chhattisgarh – demands action from State Government and National Bodies

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) strongly condemns the recent violent attack on Christians in Narayanpur and Kondagaon districts in the Bastar region, Chhattisgarh. This brutal attack has left many women and children vulnerable along with the men, all of whom have been assaulted and chased out of their houses because they chose to follow Christian faith. There are reports of houses and churches demolished in the region.

This human right violation is an assault on the Constitution of India from which the Freedom of Religion and Belief is drawn equally by all citizens

Although such acts are interpreted as isolated attacks, in reality they are orchestrated attempts to malign the Christian community. It is understood to be the continuation of a series of attacks against Christians in Chhattisgarh state in recent years. The increase in violence against Christians all over India especially among the economically weaker sections of the society exposes the persecution meant to cleanse a particular religious community from all spaces.

It is to be noted that the term ‘forced conversion’ has been used as a tool to attack Christians, while at the same time persecution is used to FORCE them to leave Christianity and embrace another religion. Violent mobs are taking law and order in their hands to eliminate Christian minorities while police reportedly remain silent spectators. It is also noted in some cases that in spite of many complaints police are reluctant to file cases.

While acknowledging the precious little arrangements that has been made by the district administration, the overall political apathy towards such incidents is a shame to the country

NCCI urges the state government to take appropriate action against the perpetrators of such heinous acts against Christians who predominantly belong to Adivasi and Dalit communities.

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A Joint call for Solidarity and Prayer

The War on Ukraine is still on. We have all been praying for the cessation of hostilities in the region and that Russia will announce a ceasefire and take up non-violent ways in dealing with whatever issues it may have with Ukraine. We also hope that the peace-making process will ensure healing trauma, building trust, rebuilding the land, its infrastructure and people that are affected due to this war.

It will be good for us Christians, many of whom will be going into the season of lent, to have this intention in prayer during this season that the war will end and the victim compensated.

Such acts of aggression are seen in different parts of the world and in varied contexts. We will lift all such situations and people, along with ourselves, to be transformed into a people of love, and seekers of just-peace

Along with the Catholic Bishops Conference of India and the Evangelical Fellowship of India, we urge you to say a special prayer every week during the season of lent so that individuals and families, as well as communities and nations will be built on values of love, peace and justice.

You may like to use the intercessory prayers that can be accessed here

Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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Let’s discern and be dictated by the agenda of the masses …

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Today, the 73rd Republic Day of our country, is one more occasion to celebrate our prowess and proficiency in different sectors of our journey together. Traditionally, it has also been an occassion to take stock of the strides that we have taken in-country and in the world.

In the last year, we have supposedly done well in many areas of our history as a nation. In some other areas we have not done as well as we would have wanted to.

Unequal distribution of wealth, differentiated access to rights and privileges, challenges to dignity of life, culture, and heritage of the religious minorities, socially disadvantaged ethnic communities and the economically disprivileged persons however continue to haunt the journey of our destiny. Today is yet another opportunity to pull ourselves together to address what lies ahead of us and achieve it together.

The Christian Gospel teaches us to fashion ourselves and the environment around us on the terms of the conditionalities of ‘the least, the last and the lost’. This approach among other things is certain to further build common resources and thus safeguard against transfer of public assets for personal gain/ private profit.

The Gospel also requires that we network with all those who are similarly oriented irrespective of faith and belief. There are several activists, academics, economists, civil servants, politicians and concerned citizens belonging to all faiths and beliefs who are working on these lines orienting our thinktanks, our planners, also the executive and the enforcement on the terms and conditionalities of the persons pushed to the bottom of the ladder.

There is an urgent need to cultivate this basic ethos amongst all peoples, and ward against alternates that promote prosperity for all but cultivate it otherwise – where there is further impoverishment because of organised loot and thus disproportionate growth.

The need is also to hold each other and all the arms of our governance accountable. It is time now to orient ourselves on our civil and political rights in order that the debates on rights and privileges of unique and diverse individuals, groups and communities will not be derailed toward affirming ‘majoritarian’ privileges of the small numbers of the unduly privileged.

Let us as members of nationally networked historic and traditional churches in this country along with all related agencies, regional ecumenical councils and christian organisations, individually and together as the National Council of Churches in India, renew afresh our commitment ‘to discern, be informed and be dictated’ by the agenda of the masses, their dreams and aspirations. And let our good work, along with those of all other like-minded individuals, groups and communities, continue to be a light to the nation.

Let us rise to bless India. God bless India . . .

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

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NCCI condemns killing of civilians in Nagaland, calls for a fresh rethink on AFSPA

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) joins the people of Nagaland and all citizens of the country who mourn the killing of civilians in Mon district in condemning the act of aggression on the part of the para-military force personnel. All actions initiated to bring the aggressors to book have to be followed up with earnest and brought to its logical conclusion.

The NCCI once again calls for a rethink on the AFSPA, and that all policing in the areas in which AFSPA is in vogue be subjected to independent human rights scrutiny.

We offer the prayers and support of the Churches and Christians of the Protestant and Orthodox tradition in India to the people of Nagaland and to the families of the deceased in particular.

Let us join in sincere prayer during this season of Advent when we reflect on the coming of Jesus as judge, that Peace be granted in the hope and promise of requital to all those who are wronged.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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