During the Engage Disability Conference 2014, NCCI-IDEA was called on to lead the Regional Hub Engage Disability in India. NCCI-IDEA is also one of the core members of Engage Disability Advisory Committee and was also the acting secretariat for Engage Disability 2014-2016. Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, the executive Secretary of NCCI and director of IDEA served as the Chairperson of Engage Disability, India so far.
DECLARATION by Engage Disability Partners
We believe…
As the Body of Christ, we affirm that all people, including people with disabilities, are created in the image of the Triune God. The church is “OF” all and “FOR” all. Thus, a church that excludes persons with disabilities is incomplete. The Body is made up of different parts and the seemingly weaker parts are indispensable. (1 Cor. 12:22)
The Mission of God is an imperative;along with and for the disabled; who have potential to be full and active members of the Church, community and society at large.
We repent…
For treating the person with a disability as an object of charity; or of a lesser class. Though disability is prevalent in the world, it is less prevalent in the church. We have accepted traditions and imposed structures, processes and attitudes which prevent those who are affected by disability from accessing the church, the Christian community—and our own programs in India. If we are not actively including people with disabilities, we are passively excluding them;and we have missed the opportunity to show the heart of the Gospel.
We are challenged…
By the Gospel of Christ, in establishing the “reign of God” to work toward justice, love and peace for all; including persons with disabilities. We are motivated by the holistic healing narratives in the Gospels to minister both to and alongside persons with disabilities. For us as a community of Christian faith, it is a mandate that we accompany one another in reaching the highest potential for which God created us.
We are guided by Christ…
Who furthered this message by coming “to preach good news to the poor and proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind…to release the oppressed.” (Luke 4:14-21) Jesus saw people with disabilities, challenged their marginalization; and He responded with Love. He showed great concern for both physical and mental challenges as He addressed their spiritual condition.
We are committed to:
- Stand with our Brothers and Sisters who have disabilities, ensuring that they are centrally involved in this process and movement.
- Promote inclusion of those with disabilities in all aspects of the church, our programs, and community.
- Further a theological understanding of disability: that ALL are created equal and in the image of God; and that disabilities are not a result of a person’s sin, lack of faith, or an unwillingness to be healed
- Engage together for advocacy and inclusion of persons with disabilities in their local communities and society at large
- Be personally and corporately blessed by people with disability serving alongside those without disability
We are guided by the Scriptures…
- We value people as being created in God’s image and as being called to abundant life
“For You formed my inward parts…I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Ps. 139: 13, 14)
“I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
- We acknowledge that God’s purposes are often worked out through those whom the world has rejected and despised.
“…God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it…” (1 Cor.12:24-25)
“…My strength is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Cor. 12:9)
- We acknowledge that societal structures, including those in Christian communities, can prevent God’s people from playing a full role in the body of Christ.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed” (Luke 4:18)
- We value team work and acknowledge that the body of Christ is incomplete without our Brothers and Sisters affected by disabilities.
“…in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body’s growth is promoted so that it builds itself up in love.” (Eph. 4: 16)
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (Corinthians 12:18)
- We believe that we are loved by God and are called to express His love to others, including those who are marginalized. We exhibit this love through both word and deed.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) “Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (Prov. 31:9)
Conclusion
If persons with disabilities are a full part of our church, then we will be blessed
There is blessing when we include those with disability in the church, our programs and in our communities where we work. Created in the image of God, they can enjoy the right to “wholeness”; no longer simply being objects of our benevolence, but enabled to be “givers” themselves. In this way, our paradigm shifts from giver-receiver mode to the “accompanier”mode; and as a result, we all can truly experience abundant life. 1Corinthians 12:22 says that the seemingly weaker parts of the body are indispensable. Luke 14:13 says, “Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits those with disability,. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing”.
– Cynthia Shinde
Coordinator, Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (IDEA),
National Council of Churches in India.
Ecumenical news
Appeal from NCC Bangladesh.
/25 Comments/in General news /by CommunicationsDear Friends,
We had earlier published the plans and efforts of NCC Bangladesh in responding to the Rohingya Crisis, especially attending to the refugees in Bangladesh. We are now publishing this urgent appeal from NCC Bangladesh. We urge you this Christmas that you remember how Joseph and Mary along with baby Jesus had to flee their homeland and seek asylum in Egypt because of the massacre of King Herod’s army, and think of extending your support to the Rohingyas fleeing the massacre in Myanmar and taking refuge in Bangladesh.
You may directly contact Rev. David A. Das, General Secretary, NCC Bangladesh at nccb.communication@gmail.com
Thanking you,
Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad,
General Secretary, NCCI
‘Because I am Precious in God’s Eyes – I will Not Keep Silent about Gender Based Violence – Shyreeti Daveena Shares her Story
/25 Comments/in General news, News from NCCI, Other concerns /by Moumita BiswasShyreeti Daveena
The colour of my skin is black and I love my body. My mother says my eyes are dark and bright as the doe and I am lovely. But yet I faced discrimination in school because of my body and colour of my skin by my teachers and peers. Though majority of Indians have brown, dark brown and dark skin yet women and girls with lighter skin are regarded beautiful.
Whenever there was school function, plays or dance drama the fairer and thinner girls were given chance to be main characters in the play or dance drama. Talent was not the criteria of selection. Girls like me with darker skin were discriminated and not given opportunities. However boys with darker skin did not share the same plight as girls. Dark skinned boys were regarded as handsome. I always felt rejected. I lost self confidence, had low self esteem and I became an introvert person. This affected my academic performance in school. Teachers ridiculed me and called me ‘dumb’. My teachers failed to realize psychological abuse and discrimination is also a form of gender based violence.
Even now when I go for my tuition classes many boys tease me calling me names like ‘Kalla Khatta’ ( Black and Sour), ‘Moti Kali’ ( Black fat woman ) and even use sexist language. Eve teasing is quite common phenomenon in India and culture of gender based violence exists in our country.
It took me a long time to gain back my confidence which was broken by my teachers in school. My parents helped me to gain my confidence as they reminded me ‘I am beautiful created in image of God’. My involvement in various Sunday School and youth group activities in our church helped me to discover my own leadership qualities and talents. Galatians 3:38 inspired me “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”Today I am proud of who I am.
There are many like me in India who face discrimination because of stereotyped gender norms which moulds minds of people and culture. In India girls with darker skin becomes often burden for their parents. In an arranged marriage system which still prevails in India parents have to pay more dowry during marriage for their daughters with darker skin.
The media also portrays women with lighter skin and thin body as beautiful. Whitening creams have been promoted through racist advertising. For years, advertisers of skin-lightening creams and other products have shown people — mostly women — with dark skin as having problems when it comes to finding jobs, getting married and generally being accepted by society. The makers of these advertisement include behemoths like Unilever, Johnson & Johnson and Proctor & Gamble . The so-called ‘Fairness Cream’ industry in India is booming .There is even a fairness cream named ‘ Fair and Lovely’. I strongly believe advertising should not communicate any discrimination as a result of skin colour.
As youth leader I feel church can play a crucial role in deconstructing stereotyped gender norms, ideologies and transform mindset of people. I often wonder why is colour white always associated with purity and black is regarded as dirty or evil. Even today we sing in the church ‘Jesus like lily pure and white’. All colours are created by God are beautiful. From childhood we are conditioned about an arche type image of Jesus as man with light skin in white robe. We are hardly taught to imagine Jesus as an Asian man with sun tanned dusky brown skin. His clothes must have been soiled with mud and dirt as he traveled from place to place. Just as white – Black is also beautiful.
25th November is the UN Declared International Day International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence begins on 25 November and end on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
16 Days of Activism Campaign provides me the opportunity to share my story. I have pledged ‘Because I Am Precious in God’s Eyes – I will not Keep Silent about Gender Based Violence and Sexual violence ’. I invite all of you to join this campaign and ‘Break the Silence’ and ‘Take Action’ to end any sorts of gender based violence whether in our home, school, church or society.
(Shyreeti Daveena is a young adolescent girl an active youth church leader – residing in Nagpur and is studying class XI )
#16 Days of Activism@ Shyreeti Daveena
Women’s Concerns Ministry ,
National Council of Churches in India
Indian Constitution Day
/25 Comments/in General news, Worship /by Caesar DavidSunday, 26th November 2017 is turning out to be a very special day. On this Sunday the Church of North India (CNI) in particular will be celebrating CNI Formation Day. Many churches will also be observing it as a day of prayer for the persecuted church. Still others will be observing it as Disability Advocacy Sunday (NCCI special observance). So also some would be celebrating it as India Constitution Day. The Indian Constitution was adopted on 26th November 1949.
Kindly find below the link to download an Order of Worship which has been drafted by Rev. Dr. Satish C. Gyan, a renowned Theologian, Former General Secretary, Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI); and Former Director/General Secretary, Raipur Churches Development & Relief Committee (RCDRC).
English: INDIAN CONSTITUTION DAY – Order of Worship – 26.11.2017
Hindi: संविधान दिवस – आराधना विधि २६.११.२०१७
DECLARATION by Engage Disability Partners
/25 Comments/in News from NCCI, Statements /by Caesar DavidDuring the Engage Disability Conference 2014, NCCI-IDEA was called on to lead the Regional Hub Engage Disability in India. NCCI-IDEA is also one of the core members of Engage Disability Advisory Committee and was also the acting secretariat for Engage Disability 2014-2016. Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, the executive Secretary of NCCI and director of IDEA served as the Chairperson of Engage Disability, India so far.
DECLARATION by Engage Disability Partners
We believe…
As the Body of Christ, we affirm that all people, including people with disabilities, are created in the image of the Triune God. The church is “OF” all and “FOR” all. Thus, a church that excludes persons with disabilities is incomplete. The Body is made up of different parts and the seemingly weaker parts are indispensable. (1 Cor. 12:22)
The Mission of God is an imperative;along with and for the disabled; who have potential to be full and active members of the Church, community and society at large.
We repent…
For treating the person with a disability as an object of charity; or of a lesser class. Though disability is prevalent in the world, it is less prevalent in the church. We have accepted traditions and imposed structures, processes and attitudes which prevent those who are affected by disability from accessing the church, the Christian community—and our own programs in India. If we are not actively including people with disabilities, we are passively excluding them;and we have missed the opportunity to show the heart of the Gospel.
We are challenged…
By the Gospel of Christ, in establishing the “reign of God” to work toward justice, love and peace for all; including persons with disabilities. We are motivated by the holistic healing narratives in the Gospels to minister both to and alongside persons with disabilities. For us as a community of Christian faith, it is a mandate that we accompany one another in reaching the highest potential for which God created us.
We are guided by Christ…
Who furthered this message by coming “to preach good news to the poor and proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind…to release the oppressed.” (Luke 4:14-21) Jesus saw people with disabilities, challenged their marginalization; and He responded with Love. He showed great concern for both physical and mental challenges as He addressed their spiritual condition.
We are committed to:
We are guided by the Scriptures…
“For You formed my inward parts…I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Ps. 139: 13, 14)
“I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
“…God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it…” (1 Cor.12:24-25)
“…My strength is made perfect in weakness…” (2 Cor. 12:9)
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed” (Luke 4:18)
“…in whom the whole body is united and held together by every ligament with which it is supplied. As each individual part does its job, the body’s growth is promoted so that it builds itself up in love.” (Eph. 4: 16)
“But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be” (Corinthians 12:18)
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) “Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (Prov. 31:9)
Conclusion
If persons with disabilities are a full part of our church, then we will be blessed
There is blessing when we include those with disability in the church, our programs and in our communities where we work. Created in the image of God, they can enjoy the right to “wholeness”; no longer simply being objects of our benevolence, but enabled to be “givers” themselves. In this way, our paradigm shifts from giver-receiver mode to the “accompanier”mode; and as a result, we all can truly experience abundant life. 1Corinthians 12:22 says that the seemingly weaker parts of the body are indispensable. Luke 14:13 says, “Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits those with disability,. You’ll be—and experience—a blessing”.
– Cynthia Shinde
Coordinator, Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (IDEA),
National Council of Churches in India.
Bishop Dr. Yap Kim Hao, CCA’s third General Secretary passes away
/25 Comments/in General news /by Caesar DavidBishop Dr. Yap Kim Hao 1929 – 2017. (Pic. source: straitstimes.com)
Bishop Dr. Yap Kim Hao, former general secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) passed away in Singapore on 16 November.
Bishop Dr. Yap Kim Hao (1929 – 2017) served as a Methodist pastor in Malaysia and Singapore before being consecrated the first Asian Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia and Singapore from 1968 to 1973. He was elected as the General Secretary of the Christian Conference of Asia between 1973 and 1985 and was directly involved in social justice issues, ministering to the marginalised and oppressed in the region.
In 1988, he accepted an invitation to be Visiting Professor of World Christianity, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA. He also taught in summer school at the Vancouver School of Theology, Canada in 1990.
Rev. Yap was on the Council of the Inter-Religious Organisation in Singapore and was committed to the promotion of inter-faith dialogue and understanding. He served as the Pastoral Advisor of the Free Community Church, which counts many LGBT Christians in its congregation.
The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) mourns the loss of this great leader whose pioneering work in many areas will always be remembered for the practical expressions of ecumenism and Christ’s love. He associated with those on the margins, the oppressed, the minorities and those whom the society largely considered as different. It is his exemplary work that will continue to inspire generations to come, to walk with faith and grace for an effective and holistic ministry.
-NCCI NEWS
For your concern and prayers
/24 Comments/in Other concerns /by Caesar DavidIsraeli demolition of entire Palestinian villages continues with no end in sight.
Image of Israeli forces demolishing the Bedouin village of Al-Araqeeb for the 111th time in August 2017
Stories keep pouring in of Israel demolishing Palestinian villages; many of the buildings destroyed were donated by EU organizations; schools have been razed; residents are often required to pay tens of thousands of dollars for the destruction of their own homes; nearly 160,000 Bedouins live in “unrecognized” villages built before 1948 that Israel has designated “illegal” and threatens with demolition.
Here is the link to three reports, followed by videos and documentaries about previous demolitions:
‘Water for life’ – Joint program of VCLC-NCCI and the EWN-WCC
/25 Comments/in General news, News from NCCI /by Caesar David‘Water for life’ –
Joint program of VCLC- National Council of Churches in India and the EWN-World Council of Churches
3rd November 2017 | NCCI Campus, Nagpur.
A one-day consultation on ‘Water for life’ was organized in the NCCI Campus on the 3rd of November 2017. It was a joint program of the Vidarbha Centre for Labour Concerns – National Council of Churches in India VCLC – NCCI) and Ecumenical Water Network – World Council of Churches (EWN – WCC). The 50 participants in the consultation were from the Church of North India, Mar Thoma Church, and the Orthodox Seminary, from faith-based organizations and also people (people of different faith traditions) from Butibori – MIDC and Totladoh who have been affected by developmental activities in the region. NCCI Secretaries and Interns also participated in this consultation.
The major focus of the program was on the International, National and Local issues of the Water Crisis as water is being commoditized and therefore this natural resource is made available unequally.
Read more
Gender Justice on Agenda at Anglican Women’s Network Meet in London
/25 Comments/in General news /by Moumita BiswasSteering Group Members of International Anglican Women’s Network- Meet in London
The Steering Group for the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN) met in London from 16th – 21st October to discuss the many issues facing women throughout the world. These women used theological and biblical perspectives to discuss far reaching issues such as gender-based violence, human trafficking, and sustainable economic empowerment.
According to Revd. Terrie Robinson Director for Women in Church and Society of Anglican Communion “IAWN’s purpose is to be a bold and prophetic voice for all women throughout the Anglican Communion working to uphold the God-given dignity of women and girls, to eradicate gender-based inequality and violence, and to promote just relationships among all people.” The IAWN steering group revisited and refreshed its priorities. The group is in regular contact online but strives to meet in person once during each three year cycle. Terrie Robinson describes this as a “unique opportunity”, saying that the face to face environment allows them to plan strategically for the years leading up to the next ACC meeting.
According to Moumita Biswas ( from Church of North India, and Executive Secretary of Women’s Concerns, National Council of Churches in India) an IAWN Steering Group member from Asia, “This meeting will have great potential for wide reaching impact, particularly when the stories and strategies are communicated in provinces. And not only within the Communion but we also do networking with other organisations like the World Council of Churches, the Asian Church Women’s Conference, the Christian Conference of Asia – so there is wider ecumenism that [this] Anglican network could have an impact on”. Biswas further states that “Church of North India and Church of South India, which are members of the National Council of Churches in India, also belong to Anglican Communion. So Women’s Concerns Ministry of NCCI will also promote the Gender Justice Agenda of IAWN among CNI and CSI and share it with women’s fellowships of other member churches.”
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An Ecumenical Commemoration of 500 Years of Reformation
/25 Comments/in General news, News from NCCI /by Christopher Rajkumar“Reformation is a Process and we need to adopt and adapt to…”
said Fr. Peter, a Catholic Rector at the Ecumenical Commemoration of 500 Years of Reformation.
The Churches and the Christian Communities and Organisations in Nagpur gathered together at the All Saints Cathedral of the Church of North India in Nagpur, to participate in a commemorative Eucharist worship on 31st October 2017 at 6.30 pm. remembering Martin Luther and his colleagues, who advocated reformation in the Church 500 years ago on the same day.
Over hundred people, including persons with disabilities, clerics, theologates, mission and social workers, participated in this ecumenical worship representing different ecclesial confessions from Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist, Lutheran, Church of North India, and Free Church Traditions.
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Presbyterian Church of India Declaration on Climate Change
/24 Comments/in General news, News from Constituent Members /by CommunicationsRev. Laldawngliana, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of India (PCI) officially released and dedicated the PCI’s Declaration on Climate Change in Shillong on 1st November 2017 during the meeting of the PCI’s Peace & Justice Committee chaired by Rev. Dr. P. B. M. Basaiawmoit, the Committee Chairman.
This is an outcome from the One Day Consultation on taking forward the Paris COP21 Agreement on Climate Change held last year in Shillong itself and partnered with Centre for Social Development (CSD), Imphal.
This Declaration has been released before the meeting of COP 23 in Bonn, Germany, during 06 – 17 November, 2017 with the hope that all stakeholders will seriously and concertedly act without reservation on mitigating climate change.
Download the Climate Action.pdf