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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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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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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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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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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