National Council of Churches in India – Unity and Mission
Church of North India – Diocese of Nagpur
An Ecumenical Commemoration of 500 Years of Reformation
October 31, 2017 is a historical day for the global Christian Communities. This day marks the 500th Anniversary of the Christian Reformation in Germany initiated by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, a Catholic priest who nailed his 95-faith questions and reflections on the doors of Castle Church, traditionally known as All Saints Church, in Wittenberg, Germany on 31 October 1517. This act became the major stimulus for Reformation in the history of Christianity.
Since then, the Reformation has made an impressive journey everywhere: movements for reform started gaining momentum, new faith orientations and values were inculcated, and people’s faiths started to be practiced in public. This day, 31st October 1517, roused Christians to interrogate themselves in order to appropriate their faith meaningfully and responsibly, and to experience the call to bear witness to the resurrected Christ in public.
Therefore, the commemoration of this quincentennial anniversary offers a historical opportunity for all of us to reflect on the need, relevance and reasons for Reformation and to discern its spiritual and societal impact.
The Lutheran World Federation has called the global Christian communities to contemplate upon the theme “Liberated by God’s Grace” during the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, a theme which is closely linked to the doctrine of justification by faith, which has become the backdrop for the Reformation. The central insight of this doctrine, namely that in Christ, God’s grace is given to us as a free and unconditional gift, evokes a response of gratitude, expressing itself in loving and caring engagements with human beings and the whole of creation. This understanding is as pertinent today as it was in Luther’s times, and it continues to influence all aspects of theology and spirituality of all Christians. A theology centered on justification by faith holds on to the concept of grace since, in biblical terms, justification promises God’s unconditional acceptance of human beings.
In this context, National Council of Churches in India – Unity and Mission joins the Nagpur Diocese – CNI, the Catholic Arch Diocese, Methodist, Lutheran, Oriental Traditions and other Congregations and Worshiping Christian Communities in Nagpur in commemorating the historical 500 years of Reformation through an Ecumenical Worship at All Saints Cathedral, Sadar, Nagpur.
This Ecumenical Worship would facilitate our generation to remember the works of our ancestors and church leaders who were trying to make our faith relevant. They not only aided reformation but also worked incessantly to bring together the varied colorful denominations of Christianity to walk hand in hand towards an Inclusive One-Ecclesia, the Body of Christ, forgetting the differences and rejoicing in diversities.
Hence, you are cordially, invited to be part of this historical commemoration of the 500th year of Reformation, at All Saints Cathedral, Sadar, Nagpur on 31st October, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
ALL NCCI CONSTITUENT MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO HOLD SIMILAR OBSERVATIONS.
Come let us all worship God in one voice and as one people of God!
|
With Prayers
|
Rev. John George
Presbyter-in-charge
All Saints Cathedral, Nagpur |
Rev. R. Christopher Rajkumar
Executive Secretary
NCCI – Unity and Mission |
Rt. Rev. Paul Dupare
Bishop,
CNI Nagpur Diocese |
Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad
General Secretary,
National Council of Churches in India. |
Ecumenical news
An Ecumenical Commemoration of 500th Years of Reformation
General newsNational Council of Churches in India – Unity and Mission
Church of North India – Diocese of Nagpur
An Ecumenical Commemoration of 500 Years of Reformation
October 31, 2017 is a historical day for the global Christian Communities. This day marks the 500th Anniversary of the Christian Reformation in Germany initiated by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, a Catholic priest who nailed his 95-faith questions and reflections on the doors of Castle Church, traditionally known as All Saints Church, in Wittenberg, Germany on 31 October 1517. This act became the major stimulus for Reformation in the history of Christianity.
Since then, the Reformation has made an impressive journey everywhere: movements for reform started gaining momentum, new faith orientations and values were inculcated, and people’s faiths started to be practiced in public. This day, 31st October 1517, roused Christians to interrogate themselves in order to appropriate their faith meaningfully and responsibly, and to experience the call to bear witness to the resurrected Christ in public.
Therefore, the commemoration of this quincentennial anniversary offers a historical opportunity for all of us to reflect on the need, relevance and reasons for Reformation and to discern its spiritual and societal impact.
The Lutheran World Federation has called the global Christian communities to contemplate upon the theme “Liberated by God’s Grace” during the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, a theme which is closely linked to the doctrine of justification by faith, which has become the backdrop for the Reformation. The central insight of this doctrine, namely that in Christ, God’s grace is given to us as a free and unconditional gift, evokes a response of gratitude, expressing itself in loving and caring engagements with human beings and the whole of creation. This understanding is as pertinent today as it was in Luther’s times, and it continues to influence all aspects of theology and spirituality of all Christians. A theology centered on justification by faith holds on to the concept of grace since, in biblical terms, justification promises God’s unconditional acceptance of human beings.
In this context, National Council of Churches in India – Unity and Mission joins the Nagpur Diocese – CNI, the Catholic Arch Diocese, Methodist, Lutheran, Oriental Traditions and other Congregations and Worshiping Christian Communities in Nagpur in commemorating the historical 500 years of Reformation through an Ecumenical Worship at All Saints Cathedral, Sadar, Nagpur.
This Ecumenical Worship would facilitate our generation to remember the works of our ancestors and church leaders who were trying to make our faith relevant. They not only aided reformation but also worked incessantly to bring together the varied colorful denominations of Christianity to walk hand in hand towards an Inclusive One-Ecclesia, the Body of Christ, forgetting the differences and rejoicing in diversities.
Hence, you are cordially, invited to be part of this historical commemoration of the 500th year of Reformation, at All Saints Cathedral, Sadar, Nagpur on 31st October, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
ALL NCCI CONSTITUENT MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO HOLD SIMILAR OBSERVATIONS.
Come let us all worship God in one voice and as one people of God!
With Prayers
Presbyter-in-charge
All Saints Cathedral, Nagpur
Executive Secretary
NCCI – Unity and Mission
Bishop,
CNI Nagpur Diocese
General Secretary,
National Council of Churches in India.
PRAYER EPISTLE
General newsPRAYER EPISTLE*
PRAY FOR THE ‘DENGUE-INFECTED’
Dear People of God,
The NCCI – Unity and Mission, through this ‘PRAYER EPISTLE’ invites all to pray for those infected with Dengue fever that is devastating several lives in Tamilnadu and other parts of India and the World.
Dengue fever is a flu-like illness, spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquito transmits Dengue by biting an infected person and then biting someone else. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe, often fatal, complication of dengue fever. Dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever are caused by any of the dengue family of viruses. Infection with one virus does not protect a person against infection from another.
As per the data of the Government of Tamilnadu, over 17000 people are infected by Dengue. Around 100 have died due to dengue and 333 have died due to swine flu and other mysterious flues. The State Governments are making strong and steady efforts in combating Dengue and trying their best to reduce its vulnerability.
This being the scenario, the NCCI – Unity and Mission calls upon churches, faith based organizations, mission institutions, and the entire faith community to uphold the people suffering from such deadly viruses through prayers and appropriate missional and ministerial interventions. Indeed, it is our Christian duty to remember prayerfully the people of our nation.
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2nd National Engage Disability 2017 Conference
General news, News from NCCINational Council of Churches in India
Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (NCCI -IDEA)
Most Respected Church Leaders,
Greetings from the NCCI – IDEA!
This is for your kind information that, the ‘ Engage Disability’ Network is holding its 2nd National Engage Disability 2017 Conference in Chennai from 14 – 16 November 2017 jointly hosted by the Church of South India Synod.
Hence, on behalf of the Engage Disability Team, the NCCI – IDEA would like to invite you and your organization to be part of the 2nd National Engage Disability 2017 conference.
See the brochure at https://www.dropbox.com/s/4do3ghaktt3bxvc/Brochure%20FINAL.pdf?dl=0
Date: 14th – 16th November 2017
Venue: Laity Institute for Transformation Education (LITE), 17, Balfour Road, Chennai 600010.
Registration www.engagedisability.com
This 2nd National conference builds on the Engage Disability movement which began with the 2014 Engage Disability Conference. This was a watershed moment with nearly 450 people from 100 organisations and churches coming together to strengthen the response to disability in India (declaration attached). This moment turned into a movement. Since 2014 the Engage Disability Network has been working with Christian partners across India to train Christians, produce resources and tool-kits, and meet in the regions to form a Christian response to disability.
The objectives of the 2017 conference are:
· To bring together like-minded people and organisations who have a heart for disability.
· To develop strategies for ministry alongside those with disabilities in Christian Community.
· To equip church leaders for disability inclusion in the Christian Community.
· To identify leaders with disabilities who can speak about disability issues in the Christian Community.
For further information contact Jessica (jessicaprakash@gmail.com 9841198695) or
Sylvia (sylvia@engagedisability.com). They will endeavor to help you as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
Mrs. Glory Cynthia Shinde
Co-ordinator
NCCI – Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment
The Force is Within Her : Grassroots Church Women Leaders Transforming Communities and Lives
General newsGrassroots Women Leaders engaged in Group Discussions during Convention Organized by Durgapur Diocese, Church of North India
The Women’s Convention of Diocesan Women’s Fellowship for Christian Service (DWFCS) of Durgapur Diocese met on 10th – 14th October 2017 in St Michael All Angels Cathedral . 125 grassroots Church Women Leaders from Bankura, Purulia, Asansol, West Dinajpur, Malda , Durgapur etc attended this convention . Most of the women leaders are from indigenous or Dalit background. The theme of the Convention was “THE FORCE IS WITHIN HER” ( God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. (PSALMS 46:5)
Mrs Rita Dutta President of Women’s Fellowship of Durgapur Diocese ( DWFCS) shared ” We organize Women’s Convention annually. Grassroots women church leaders during this Convention share about their experiences of weaving justice and peace in their communities, their hopes and challenges and strategizes to transform communities . Revd Papia Priscilla Duriaraj facilitated the delegates to re-read the Bible from Gender Justice perspective. Ms Moumita Biswas – Executive Secretary of Women’s Concern Ministry of National Council of Churches in India facilitated a diaogical session on Role of Christian Women in Society.
During the Convention women praised and worshiped through the rhythms of their bodies folk dances and songs in St Michael All Angels Cathedral in Durgapur. According to Mrs Archana. A. Dey Secretary of DWFCS “ Dance is therapeutic it helps women to heal within, break the culture of silence on violence on women and build bonds of love and fellowship in communities. We promote indigenous expressions of worship and spiritualities to discover Asian Christ .”
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NCCI Dalit Liberation Sunday 2017 – Religious Freedom of Dalits.
News from NCCIRespected Ecumenical Leaders,
Warm greetings from National Council of Churches in India!
Dalit Liberation Sunday has become an important feature in the calendar of Indian Churches and Ecumenical movements. Over the years, there has been a positive response in sensitizing the local congregations towards concerns of Dalits, for no longer caste issue is visualized as a sociological issue or an issue outside the purview of church but more seen as an issue challenging the core of our faith and gospel.
Dalit Liberation Sunday is a joint programme of National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India (CBCI), aiming at the empowerment of the local congregations for Dalit liberation. Dalit Liberation Sunday is observed by the member churches of NCCI and the churches under CBCI in their local congregations across India.
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Congratulations to Office Bearers of Church of North India (CNI) Synod.
News from Constituent Members, Other concernsThe Synod of the Church of North India (CNI) met during September 30 to October 3, 2017. One of the major decisions taken on 3rd October was to elect a new Moderator, Deputy Moderator and Hony. Treasurer. After successful elections, the names of the team of Office Bearers of CNI Synod are as below:
(Source: Mr. Alwan Masih, General Secretary of CNI).
The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) congratulates the team of Office Bearers of CNI and joins the Church in praying for the team’s leadership and wishing them every blessing for a fruitful ministry.
With the wider ministry of NCCI’s President, the Most Rev. Dr. P. C. Singh, as Moderator of CNI, we look forward with joy and anticipation to the benefits of his ecumenical vision and his leadership in the church and society. May God continue to bless him and the other members of this team to accomplish much for the reign of God on earth!
A Round Table Discussion on 1st October 2017
News from NCCI, Other concernsA round table discussion on “Religious Minorities in India: Challenges and Responses” was held on 1st October 2017, at New Delhi YMCA. 44 members attended the meeting representing NCCI member churches, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Evangelical Organisations and Civil Society Organisations. It was moderated by Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). Three presentations were made by Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of World Council of Churches (WCC); Prof. T.K. Oommen, Emeritus Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and Adv. Irfan Engineer, Director of Institute for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. Mrs. Aleyamma Thomas, Vice-President, NCCI felicitated the Chief Guest and the two panelists. Rev. Dr. Peniel Jesudason Rufus Rajkumar, a WCC Executive Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks.
Mr. Samuel Jayakumar
Executive Secretary
Policy, Governance and Public Witness
National Council of Churches in India
Churches’ Week of Action on Food – 2017
General news, News from NCCI, Worship(October 11 – 17, 2017)
The Churches Week of Action on Food is a Global Campaign for Food Justice initiated by the World Council of Churches – Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance and the National Council of Churches in India is part of this campaign for years. This week (11 -17 October), highlights the UN days of Gild Child (11), Disaster Reduction (13), Rural Women (15) World Food day (16) and Eradication of Poverty 17).
The theme for World Food Day, this year (2017) is “Change the Future of Migration: Invest in Food Security and Rural Development”. It has been chosen to highlight the role of civil societies and faith communities in improving food security and contributing to the eradication of hunger by addressing climate change with the Gospel Values of Justice, Love and Peace.
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Colonel Chelliah Mony, Territorial Commander of India Central Territory of The Salvation Army, passes away.
General news, News from Constituent MembersColonel Chelliah Mony, Territorial Commander India Central Territory of The Salvation Army, was promoted to Glory on 25 September, 2017.
Chelliah Mony entered training from Osaravilai Corps in the India South Eastern Territory as a cadet of the Overcomers Session, and was commissioned on 13 May 1976. Also in May 1976 he married Mallika Mony, who was a cadet in the Disciples of Jesus Session. Lieutenant Chelliah Mony was then serving as Corps Officer of the Kolencoidu Corps.
After Cadet Mallika completed her training, they served as Corps Officers in the India South Eastern Territory before they were both appointed to the Training College in July 1981. With this came the promotion to the rank of captain for Chelliah Mony. The Captain also attended the Brengle Institute in this year.
In 1983 the Monys were appointed first to Thuckalay Division and then to Vallyoor Division, where Captain Chelliah Mony served as Divisional Youth Officer. In 1987 they were appointed to Cape South Division. Again, Captain Chelliah served as Divisional Youth Officer.
Following attendance at the International College for Officers in 1988, Captain Chelliah Mony was appointed to THQ, India South Eastern Territory as Youth Secretary. Further appointments at THQ followed in 1997 when Major Mony was appointed to Human Resources Development Secretary and in the following year, Social Secretary.
A return to the Cape South Division as Divisional Commander came in May 2003. In June 2009 Major Chelliah Mony was appointed back to THQ, as Social and Education Secretary and the following year as Secretary for Programme Administration.
Transfer to the India South Western Territory in July 2012 saw Lieut-Colonel Chelliah Mony appointed as Chief Secretary of that territory. In June 2014 further international service followed with a transfer to the India Central Territory as Territorial Commander, with a promotion to the rank of colonel. It is from this appointment that Colonel Chelliah Mony was promoted to Glory.
We salute the Colonel for his many years of faithful service to God and to The Salvation Army. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his wife, Colonel Mallika Mony and with their children, Yesumarline Mony, Yalin Rancy Mony, Darline Santhini Mony and Alwin Devarasu Mony.
The funeral for Colonel Mony was held on 26 September 2017 at Booth Tucker Memorial Church Corps Hall (Nagercoil), conducted by Colonel Edwin Masih.
Colonel Mallika Mony may be contacted at:-
82 Nungambaggam High Road
Chennai – 600 034. India.
Phone: 09962172849
e-mail: Mallika_Mony@ict.salvationarmy.org or ICT_Leadership@ict.salvationarmy.org
Source: The Salvation Army, India National Secretariat.
Colonel Mony attended meetings of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) several times. His ecumenical outlook and genuine concern for the people proved to be a blessing for many. He served with exemplary passion for the Glory of God.
NCCI joins with The Salvation Army in praying for God to comfort the family. Colonel Mony’s faithful service and strong leadership will always be remembered. His work will continue to light the way for seekers and future leaders.
NCCI NEWS
Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Amritham passes away
General news, News from Constituent MembersRt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Amritham, a great ecumenical figure from India, passed away on September 26, 2017 in his hometown Parassala (Kerala, India) at the age of 85.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in Divinity, he was appointed as pastor in the London Mission Pastorate Church, Parassala (now named the Abbs Memorial Church after founder and LMS Missionary Rev. John Abbs). He was instrumental in the construction of the new Church building. His efforts behind the installation of the electric bell, the electric cluster lights, and the lightning arrester are appreciable.
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