BEES FOR BIODIVERSITY: NCCI – IPC JOINT INITIATIVES

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and the India Peace Centre (IPC) jointly observed World Bee Day on May 20, 2025, to enhance biodiversity within their campuses. This event served as a precursor to the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2025.

The celebration aimed to raise awareness about the significance of bees and other pollinators in maintaining ecosystem, health and biodiversity. It highlighted how we have to respect, acknowledge and honour it.

Mr. Angelious Michael co-ordinated the event to enhance the interest on the topic. Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer shared the idea of interdependence of the biodiversity and collective interest of all in protecting the bees. Dr. Tejinder Singh Rawal journeyed with the audience exploring the world of bees. Mr. Vijay Bhagat, an urban beekeeper addressed about the science and art of beekeeping and demonstrated beekeeping offering insights to the people that attended.

As part of the event, the NCCI and IPC organized activities such as beekeeping demonstrations, workshops on pollinator conservation, and awareness campaigns about the importance of protecting bee habitats. These initiatives align with their objectives, which include promoting peace with nature and social justice.

By observing World Bee Day, the NCCI and IPC demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, highlighting the interconnectedness of human well-being, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.

With a proposal to install a colony of species Apis Cerana (Eastern or Asiatic honeybees) in the NCCI campus in Nagpur. The event came to a close by pledging to protect the diversity of bees.

 

 

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PAHALGAM: ANOTHER BLOT ON HUMANITY

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses its deepest sorrow and unequivocally condemn this heinous act of terror in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians and left many others injured. We believe there is no justification for targeting innocent lives, and such brutality must be met with unwavering resolve and unity.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the victims and their families, offering our prayers and support in this time of profound grief. Our hearts mourn for those who have lost their lives while seeking rest and beauty in one of the most peaceful corners of our nation.

No faith, tradition, or ideology can ever justify the taking of innocent lives. The ideology of hatred, is a direct affront to the sacredness of life and the divine call to love our neighbors. This tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need to reject violence and work together—across faiths, cultures, and borders—for a future defined not by fear, but by peace, justice, and mutual respect.

As a nation, we must remain united in our stand against terror. Let us honor the memory of those lost by recommitting ourselves to building a world rooted in compassion, justice, and enduring peace.

We call upon all communities, religious leaders, and political authorities to rise above the situation and recommit to the sacred task of reconciliation with justice. Let this sorrow move us not to despair, but to action—for a world where such violence is no more.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

May Peace Prevail!

Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer

General Secretary

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Pope Francis: A Bridge of Hope Across Faiths and Borders; A Shepherd of Justice, Peace, Inclusivity and Compassion

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) joins the global Christian community and all people of goodwill in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a shepherd whose legacy of compassion, inclusion, and justice has left an indelible mark on our world.

Pope Francis stood as a firm and unwavering voice against war and violence. He condemned the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, as well as the Russian and Ukraine war. His passionate plea for peace, dignity, and justice for all peoples—Palestinians and Israelis alike—challenged the conscience of the world. He reminded us that true faith cannot be separated from the cry of the oppressed and the suffering of the innocent.

Pope Francis stood as a compassionate advocate for the protection and dignity of migrants, calling it a “duty of civilisation.” He condemned the rising tide of anti-immigration politics around the world and urged governments and societies to recognize the humanity of those seeking refuge and a better life. His commitment to the care of the displaced, the poor, and the vulnerable continues to be a challenge to all nations and peoples.

Pope Francis will be remembered not only as a visionary spiritual leader but also as a prophetic voice of love and inclusion. His pastoral embrace of the LGBTQI+ community as “children of God” invited churches everywhere to walk more faithfully in the path of Christ, who welcomed the outcast and broke down barriers of discrimination. His courageous stance encouraged many across denominations to re-examine the meaning of grace, belonging, and the radical hospitality of the Gospel.

One of Pope Francis’s most enduring contributions was his tireless pursuit of interfaith harmony. He extended hands of friendship and dialogue to leaders of many faith traditions, fostering relationships grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a common longing for peace. From his messages of unity with Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Muslims, he called all of humanity to see one another as brothers and sisters.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable servant of God, we offer our deepest condolences to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), to the global family of the Catholic Church, and to all who drew hope from his life and witness. We pray that his legacy will continue to inspire our shared ecumenical journey toward justice, peace, and inclusive community.

May the God of Peace receive him in eternal rest, and may his memory be a blessing and a call to action.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

 

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

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EASTER 2025: Calling the bluff, bouncing back with zing…

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Events that unfolded on that First ‘Easter’ Day are reminiscent of individuals and communities bouncing back to life.

This bouncing back with zing comes alive in the contexts of the stories in which the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the disciples going back to their previous contexts, and a distraught Mary, were face to face with the reality of a ‘possibility of possibilities’.

At this realisation the stories of a beleaguered, battered, battle-worn christ-community that was withdrawing from action, feigning a ‘time-up’ context, comes Alive !!!!

Every situation around us today expresses a ‘There Is No Alternative (TINA)’ syndrome, while Easter calls the bluff and helps bounce back with ‘There are A Thousand Alternatives (TATA)’. History is replete with umpteen such instances of bouncing back.

This ‘dead with Jesus and rising with him’ experience, challenges death and the grave – O death where is your sting, O grave where your victory… (I Cor. 15: 55). It joyfully proclaims, Blessed be the name of our God who gives us victory through Jesus Christ (I Cor 15: 57).

May this jubilant cry that supposes a sense of victory while yet under subjugation, energise us and all christ-communities, to call the bluff and help bounce back as we seek to serve God as christ-communities that are critically conscious and contextually relevant.

Current contexts are quite complicated, and seem irreparable. Yet ‘miracles happen all the time’. Saturday is silent and long… Easter however is an ever present promise of all times.

Happy Easter Hope ! Let’s bounce back with zing ! Let’s make it happen ! Everyday….

Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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Honouring the Bibhas legacy – Recognising Brave Youth combating Gender Based Violence

Stories like that of Bibhas Nayak, a young man whose courage and bravery saved lives, deserve recognition for acts of selflessness.

It is reported that Bibhas (a young man from the Church of North India and the son of the Most Rev. B. K. Nayak, Moderator of the Church of North India) stood up against a group of three men who physically assaulted two young women under the cover of dark. Unfortunately, despite his valiant efforts, we note that Bibhas tragically lost his life. Even in the face of such danger, his actions were filled and propelled with love for others. His sacrifice saved the lives of his two male friends. More importantly, his heroism will echo through the hearts of all who hear his story.

A committed person, adventurous in his outlook to life, Bibhas’ heart of goodwill reportedly shines through his contribution towards the education of girl children from deprived communities as well. It is appropriate to recognise Bibhas and such other young people among us for their selfless acts that affirm life of many despite the challenges to their own.

We recommend that it will be most appropriate to award Bibhas for his act of selflessness, and more importantly to institute an annual honour in his name to be awarded for exemplary contribution of a young people in addressing Gender Based Violence. The National Council of Churches in India  will institute a National Award on these lines.

By recognizing Bibhas we not only pay tribute to his life but also send a message to the world that true courage and sacrifice, especially when displayed by young people, should never go unnoticed.

We offer our prayers to the family of Bibhas, and pledge our solidarity with the women who were assaulted. We urge the authorities to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice, and step up vigilance to prevent such heinous acts of violence against women.

Smriti Priyansha
Executive Secretary
NCCI Commission on Youth Concerns

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Chhattisgarh Council of Churches chalks out way forward….

On February 22, 2025, twenty eight church leaders from various churches and christian organizations in Chhattisgarh gathered to discuss the challenges faced by Christians in the region, especially those who are experiencing difficulties due to their faith. 

Bishop N. Ashawan of the Mennonite Church in India inspired the participants during the morning devotion, focusing on unity, hope, and the power of Christian witness. Rev. Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary of NCCI, provided an introduction to NCCI and its various ministries and concerns. Several church leaders from different areas of Chhattisgarh shared their struggles, particularly threats to the pratice of faith and to their lifelivelihood. The leaders explored ways to address these issues while maintaining communal harmony.

Mr. Pradip Bansrior, Executive Secretary of the NCCI Commission on Tribal Concerns, highlighted the importance of the PESA Act and encouraged the church leaders to familiarize themselves with government regulations, especially in tribal areas, to better serve tribal communities.

The leaders also discussed the reconstruction of the Chhattisgarh Council of Churches with NCCI’s constituent members. Dn. Vikal Rao, Executive Secretary of Mennonite Church in India, was tasked with meeting with Chhattisgarh church leaders to form a working group.

The meeting concluded with a closing prayer by Rt. Rev. Sushma Kumar, Bishop of the Chhattisgarh Diocese of the Church of North India, who graciously hosted the one-day consultation. Leaders and repesentatives from Church of North India, Believers Eastern Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Mennonite Church in India, Jeypore Evengelical Lutheran Church, Methodist Church in India, Mennonite Church in India, All India Sunday Schooll Assoiciation and Christian Medical Assoiciation of India attended the meeting.

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World Day of Prayer

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NCCI Disability Awards 2024 Winners Acknowledged and Appreciated

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The NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 winners were announced on February 1, 2025, during the monthly online Persons with disabilities Fellowship 2025. The awards featured four categories for persons with disabilities (PWDs): Individual, Innovative Interventions, Institutional, and a special category for Persons with disabilities.

In the Individual category, the winner was Mr. M. David Jeyasekar, a special educator with three decades of experience from I.E.L.C Church in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. He was acknowledged for his significant contributions to the lives of Persons with disabilities.

The Persons with disabilities category winner was Mr. Rongsen Jamir from Ao Baptist Church in Dimapur, Nagaland, recognized for his extraordinary achievements and contributions in the rehabilitation and support of individuals with disabilities.

The Innovative Interventions category was awarded to Mr. Aashish Samuel, an engineering student from Sion fellowship Church in Telangana. He was awarded for his groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities through the invention of devices that provide relief from pain.

The Institutional category winner was CSI VHS&HSS School for the Deaf in Valakom, Kollam, Kerala. The School was celebrated for its significant contributions in the area of care and sensitivity for persons with disabilities.

The NCCI-IDEA Disability Awards 2024 celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals and institutions making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities. From pioneering inventions to decades of dedicated service, the winners exemplify resilience, innovation, and compassion. Their contributions not only uplift communities but also pave the way for an inclusive and accessible society, inspiring many through their individual and collective efforts.

Report By

Nelson Nag
Program Executive
Ecumenical Fora

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Unity Octave 2025: Celebrating the Spirit of Oneness in the Indian Churches

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The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in India was observed from January 18 to 25, 2025, with churches across the country coming together to pray for unity. This annual event, promoted in India by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), highlighted the importance of Christian unity through prayer and reflection.
The 2025 observance was especially significant as it marked the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, held in 325 AD, which played a crucial role in shaping the doctrinal unity of the Church. The theme for this year’s event, “Do you believe in this?” was inspired by John 11:17-27, inviting Christians to reflect on the essential question of faith that unites them. The prayers and reflections for the week were prepared by the monastic community of Bose in northern Italy.

NCCI Sunday was observed on 19th, January. specifically to uphold the activities of NCCI in prayer.

Throughout the week, regional councils of NCCI and CBCI held worship services and gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and fellowship among Christians of various denominations. This special time provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their faith, reconnect with their shared Christian heritage, and commit to the principles of Christian unity, strengthening the bonds between believers across India and beyond. NCCI expresses its appreciation to those who worked diligently to translate the liturgy into different vernacular languages and to those who put in significant effort to organize many events at the regional level.

Click here for the photo album or visit our FB page https://www.facebook.com/nccionline

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

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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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