“The Eyes of the World are upon COP 22,” says the newly elected president of COP 22
November 10, 2016, Marrakech, Morocco. The United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as ‘COP 22,’ opened on November 7, 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco, just days after the entry into force of the landmark Paris Agreement which has now been ratified by 100 countries. The Conference comes with a ‘Climate of Hope and of a Legitimate Aspirations for all Humanity,’ said the newly elected President of COP 22 and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco, Mr. Salaheddine Mezouar.
He further said that this conference would mobilise the political atmosphere and commitment to ratify the Paris Agreement. He also called the Parties (Nations) to develop a more ambitious and inclusive road map for all. “We have a huge responsibility before humanity and we must join forces in order to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. We must provide them with the resources to adapt to the disastrous consequences of climate change.”
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Patricia Espinosa, the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, told the opening of the Conference that the rapid entry into force of the Paris accord “is a clear cause for celebration, but it is also a timely reminder of the high expectations that are now placed upon us all.” “Achieving the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement is not a given,” she continued, underscoring that: “Marrakech is our moment to take forward climate action at the international and national levels as a central pillar of the successful realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is our opportunity to take the next steps towards an inclusive, sustainable path for every man, woman and child.” Ms. Espinosa underlined key areas in which the work needs to be taken forward. She stressed that finance is flowing, but it is not enough. Moreover, nationally determined contributions now need to be integrated into national policies and investment plans. “Support for adaptation needs to be given higher priority, and progress on the loss and damage mechanism has to be ensured to safeguard development gains in the most vulnerable communities.”
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Ecumenical news
NCCI journeying with All India Baptist Fellowship to Promote Women’s Ordination
/25 Comments/in News from Constituent Members, News from NCCI /by Moumita BiswasYoung Women Leaders Promoting 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Violence on Women during Baptist Women’s Forum in Odisha.
All India Baptist Fellowship organized a Women’s Forum from 25th – 27th November 2016 in Chandipur Odisha to discuss about the role of women in Church and strategize to promote women’s ordination. 25 key women leaders from 12 Baptist Conventions from Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and North Eastern states attended this Forum . There were women leaders also in this forum who are ordained. According to Mrs .Katie Longkumer- Development Consultant of Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and Rev Narola Coordinator of this Forum, “ This is an historic event in All India Baptist Fellowship in its journey to promote partnership of women in ministry.”
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Dalit Liberation Sunday-2016 observed jointly by the UELCI and the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai
/25 Comments/in News from NCCI /by Dalit & Tribal/ Adivasi ConcernsDali
t Liberation Sunday-2016 was observed jointly by the UELCI and the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai on 13th November 2016 under the guidance of Rev. Dr. A. G. Augustine Jeyakumar- Executive Secretary of UELCI & LWF National Committee (I) and the Treasurer of the NCCI. Dalits are the opressed and marginalized people in India whom the churches should acknowledge and express solidarity with in their liberation process. The observance of Dalit liberation Sunday paves the way for churches to be more sensitive to the plights and concerns of Dalits.
On the eve of 13th November, the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College premise was customized to the frame of Dalit worship with the fire post and the Parai (the Dalit Drum) at the centre. The worship order was created incorporating Dalit lives and their thirst for liberation. Before commencing the worship, Mr. K. Immanuel Paul Vivekanandh, the Coordinator of Dalits and Adivasi Concerns Desk of UELCI welcomed the gathering and gave an introduction for the need of the Dalit Liberation Sunday and observing it in the present day context. The worship was on the theme “Administer Justice Daily, Deliver the Oppressed”. The Students walked in procession with the Parai singing Dalit songs. The Parai drum was beaten to invoke the presence of the God, as is customary in the worship of the Dalit communities. The worship was led by Mr. K. Immanuel Paul Vivekanandh, and the worship elements were led by the Guru-Sishya fellowship of the Gurukul Lutheran Theological College, and Dr.Walo Temjen – Professor of Dept. of History of Christianity.
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NCC India Congratulates Christian Conference of Asia for Initiating ‘Women’s Ecumenical Action Against Violence’ Network
/24 Comments/in General news, News from NCCI /by Moumita BiswasA Consultation on ‘Women Building Peace, Preventing Violence and Transforming Our World’ was organized by Christian Conference of Asia in Chiangmai , Thailand from 17th -20th November 2016. Thirty-five Women leaders gathered from different parts of Asia and strategized how to involve churches and engage in advocacy to end violence on women and gender based violence.
‘Women’s Ecumenical Action Against Violence (WEAAV) is a programmatic thrust of CCA and a network was formed to promote advocacy against violence on women in sub-regions and in Asian Churches . Various interactive sessions of the consultation led by experts covered a wide range of topics such as ‘Women Building Peace, Preventing Violence and Transforming Our World’, ‘Feminization of Labour Migration and Violence Against Women’, ‘Sustainable Development Goals in Achieving Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women’, and ‘Ecumenical Women’s Action and Strategies for Advocacy and Networks’.
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NCCI – VCLC Agrarian Crisis Consultation held
/25 Comments/in News from NCCI, Other concerns /by Caesar DavidAn AGRARIAN CRISIS CONSULTATION was organized by Vidarbha Centre for Labour Concerns (VCLC), a project of National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) in Butibori on November 19 – 20, 2016. There were 30 people participating in the consultation. Prof. Dr. Yugal Rayalu presented a helpful analysis of the agricultural situation. Small group discussions catalyzed the issues, and the participants planned a draft to be submitted to the Government of Maharashtra Ministry of Agriculture during the winter assembly.
The issue of Farmers cooperative movement has gathered momentum after the NCCI – VCLC consultation.
Here are some pictures –
Rajesh Jadhav
Coordinator
Vidarbha Centre for Labour Concerns
National Council of Churches in India.
Rev. Yesuadian David passes away
/25 Comments/in General news /by Roger GaikwadRev. Y. David: A Pioneer of Protestant Christian Social Activism in India passes away
(27 June 1940 – 21 November 2016)
The National Council of Churches in India is deeply saddened by the passing away of the veteran ecumenist and Christian social activist, Rev. Yesuadian David, an ordained minister of the Church of South India, Kanyakumari Diocese. A graduate of United Theological College, Bangalore, who served as a Programme Secretary of Student Christian Movement of India, Rev. Y. David became a pioneering model of Christian social activism with his simple and challenging lifestyle, identifying with people’s pain and sufferings, and mobilizing them to affirm and fight for their rights.
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CBCI Bishop visits NCCI Delhi office
/25 Comments/in General news, News from NCCI /by Samuel JayakumarThe Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) Secretary General Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas visited NCCI Delhi Office on 16th November 2016. It was a great honour for us to welcome him.
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Protest against New Education Policy in Delhi
/25 Comments/in General news, News from NCCI /by Samuel JayakumarThe Joint Action Committee against the Proposed Anti-People Education Policy (JACAAPEP) organised a mass movement on 17th November 2016 advocating that education should address the real needs of the people. The protest rally began with a march from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar in New Delhi at 11 am. It culminated in a protest meeting at Parliament Street senior leaders of all Opposition political parties, Youth & Student Unions, Civil Society, Minority Institutions, Women’s Groups, Trade Unions, Teachers & Human Rights activists addressed the gathering.
Speakers including Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Mr. Manish Sisodia, RJD Spokesperson Mr. Manoj K Jha, MP of Rajya Sabha Ms. Kanimozhi, General Secretary AICC Mr. Digvijaya Singh, General Secretary CPI-M Mr. Sitaram Yechury, CNI General Secretary Mr. Alwan Masih, Archbishop of Delhi Most Rev. Anil Couto, North West India Council of Churches Secretary Bishop Collin C. Theodore, Senior Journalist Mr. John Dayal, Social Activist Ms. Shabnam Hashmi and many others expressed support and solidarity for the protest.
NCCI Vice-President Ms. Aleyamma Thomas along with representatives from Church of South India (CSI) also participated in this protest meeting.
Samuel Jayakumar
Executive Secretary,
Commission on Policy, Governance and Public Witness. NCCI
NCC India Appeals Churches to Engage in 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender Based Violence
/19 Comments/in General news /by Moumita Biswas“We cannot build inclusive just communities unless we strive to eradicate gender based violence and end child abuse which has became a pandemic in our country” states Rev Dr Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary of National Council of Churches in India . “NCCI appeals to member churches and its leaders to actively engage in and promote the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender Based Violence and Child Abuse” states Dr Gaikwad.
The UN has declared 25th November as International Day for Elimination of Violence on Women. From 25 November through 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence aim to raise public awareness and mobilizing people everywhere to bring about change. The All India Council of Christian Women ( AICCW) – Women’s Wing and Women and Gender Justice Commission of NCCI appeals to member churches to express their faith in action and mobilize people everywhere to bring about change to end gender based violence . AICCW invites churches to ‘Break the Silence on Violence on Women and Girls to promote NCCI’s Campaign: 365 Days Zero Tolerance to Gender Based Violence Make it Happen Now!!!
NCCI also invites Churches to engage in spiritual formation and education to empower men and boys along with girls and women to work in partnership to end gender based violence. “Such education should start right from Sunday School at a tender age, and is necessary if we want to build a culture of peace and end violence on women and children” states Moumita Biswas – Executive Secretary of AICCW.
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COP 22: The Beginning of a New Pilgrimage of Climate Justice and Peace towards ‘Just and Inclusive Communities’.
/25 Comments/in General news /by Christopher Rajkumar“The Eyes of the World are upon COP 22,” says the newly elected president of COP 22
November 10, 2016, Marrakech, Morocco. The United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as ‘COP 22,’ opened on November 7, 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco, just days after the entry into force of the landmark Paris Agreement which has now been ratified by 100 countries. The Conference comes with a ‘Climate of Hope and of a Legitimate Aspirations for all Humanity,’ said the newly elected President of COP 22 and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco, Mr. Salaheddine Mezouar.
He further said that this conference would mobilise the political atmosphere and commitment to ratify the Paris Agreement. He also called the Parties (Nations) to develop a more ambitious and inclusive road map for all. “We have a huge responsibility before humanity and we must join forces in order to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. We must provide them with the resources to adapt to the disastrous consequences of climate change.”
Meanwhile, in her remarks, Patricia Espinosa, the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, told the opening of the Conference that the rapid entry into force of the Paris accord “is a clear cause for celebration, but it is also a timely reminder of the high expectations that are now placed upon us all.” “Achieving the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement is not a given,” she continued, underscoring that: “Marrakech is our moment to take forward climate action at the international and national levels as a central pillar of the successful realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is our opportunity to take the next steps towards an inclusive, sustainable path for every man, woman and child.” Ms. Espinosa underlined key areas in which the work needs to be taken forward. She stressed that finance is flowing, but it is not enough. Moreover, nationally determined contributions now need to be integrated into national policies and investment plans. “Support for adaptation needs to be given higher priority, and progress on the loss and damage mechanism has to be ensured to safeguard development gains in the most vulnerable communities.”
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Ecumenical Dhorom Sabha 2016 Report
/25 Comments/in News from Constituent Members /by Caesar DavidEcumenical Dhorom Sabha (EDS) was organized by the Santalia Council of Churches (SCC) from October 14 – 16, 2016 at Jidato Mission Compound, Pakur, Santal Parganas, Jharkhand. The theme of the programme was based on Mathew 19:19 Love your neighbor as yourself. The Methodist Church in India (Pakur & Birbhum District) was the official host of this mega event which witnessed a gathering of about 2000 delegates from the three member Churches – Methodist Church in India (MCI), Church of North India (CNI) & Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC) from Assam, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
The programme officially began in the morning of October 14 with a procession led by a musical band playing hyms, from the Jidato Methodist Church to the venue covering the main road and the market area. This was a great show of unity for Christians when we are going through a time of turmoil because right wing forces are constantly blaming us for conversions. The EDS 2016 was declared open by our Chief Guest Rev. Caesar David from the NCCI through a Ribbon cutting ceremony, after which Flags of all the three Churches were hoisted along with that of the SCC in the venue.
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