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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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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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NCCI lends voice to today’s Doctors’ protest and those protesting all over the country

As the medical communities rise up together, and the entire country with them, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) lends it’s voice to those that condemn the ‘rape and murder’ incident of the young PG Trainee in the R G Kar Medical College, Kolkata, on 9th of August 2024. The Government must bring the real culprits to book without any further delay, and take action on all those who have acted irresponsibly and without basic sensitivities.

Through periodic advisories the NCCI has been requesting the leadership of the Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India to maintain Zero- Tolerance to Gender Based Violence in its faith affirmations and articulations. The Churches in the membership of the NCCI and their units have been advised to be compliant to the provisions of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, including formation of Internal Committees where statutorily mandated and conducting periodic orientation to staff as mandated under the Act.

Through the Thursdays in Black Campaign and the 16 Days of Activism (Nov 25 to Dec 10 every year) the NCCI community have been continuously challenged to address all forms of violence against women, and to work to address every form of such violence. The Churches have been in many ways addressing every form of toxic-masculinity and inviting young and old toward building up a society whose boys and gentlemen are shaped on premises of redemptive and transformative masculinities.

We offer sincere prayers that the soul of the departed be reposed in God, and everlasting Peace be upon the parents, siblings and all the members of the family.

We commit again to serious interventions in our Churches and Institutions all over the country to nurture and promote responsible and respectful behaviour between peoples of all Gender Identities, and to the safety of women and those others with gender vulnerabilities.

While it is a time to hang our head in shame, we also commit to tirelessly endeavour and leave no stone unturned in order that the women and girls in this country will be able to walk with their head held high anytime of day or night, wherever they like to go, and however they want.

In solidarity and with blessings of abiding Peace that comes from Jesus who was also unjustly killed, yet lives in all who dare death in its face. Let that power give us victory and guidance in this situation and always.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI.

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Independence Day 2024: Building from the bottom, one brick at a time…

On the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Independence Day (78th Independence Day) of the Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic of India, on Thursday the 15th of August 2024, we recognise with pride the enduring Sovereignty of the citizen.

Mandating a government which exists and functions as coalition governing partners, and identifying the need for an opposition in the democratic polity, the mind of the People of India is all but evident. What follows is the will of the government in power to heed this voice, and the role of the opposition to amplify the voice for the government to deliver and deliver efficiently.

Gram swaraj, captured in more than one ways in the panchayati raj system of participatory democratic governance, is one way in which we can continue to build on the gains of Mandate 2024. Through being thoroughly engaged in the panchayati raj form of local governance and its equivalence in the tribal and adivasi areas of the 5th and 6th Schedule States, the Indian citizen is capable of setting the country on the path of the ‘haven’ into which we would like to see our country awake.

Encouraging the citizen to participate in the process of local governance constructively and with a critical conscience, and acknowledging the role of the panchayats at the village to be involved in vision-casting for the country, are ways in which we can continue to grow as a people of this country – ‘leaving no one behind’.

While celebrating the hard-earned independence we as citizens of this great heritage that is India, together as those belonging to different faiths and ideologies, commit ourselves to work on the freedom of those who are enslaved through systems of religiosity, patriarchy, economic injustice, caste stratification, and such other enslavements relating to economic injustice and ethnic marginalisations.

We recognise a calling to hold each other accountable for what ails the ‘peoples’ of this country and an urgent call to address them together. We pray for a blessing of peace on our county and the entire neighbourhood and the world. We call on all Christians in the country to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow citizens in our common pursuit of Life-flourishing for ALL. Let us continue to build from the bottom, one brick at a time.

Jai Hind !

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCC India

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‘Dalit Christians’: 74 years of structural discrimination based on Religion

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On August 10th this year, as in previous years, Christians across the country observe the National Day of Prayer and Protest. On this day Christians seek to highlight and protest the denial of the fundamental constitutional rights to a section of them because they decided to embrace Christianity as a religion of their choice.

When India became a Republic, we resolved as a nation to secure Justice, Equality, Liberty and Dignity for all our citizens. Members of castes worst affected from centuries of social oppression, the Scheduled Castes (SCs), were constitutionally assured special protection and affirmative benefits. These measures are necessary to help them overcome the effect of centuries of discrimination and oppression. Unfortunately these fundamental rights have been denied to the Dalit communities converted to Christianity and Islam through the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950, even though this privilege was extended in 1956 to Sikhs and in 1990 to Buddhists of dalit origin. Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims continue to be kept outside this privilege.

Approximately 70% of the Christian population in India are from Scheduled Castes background. Dalit Christians have a unique history of faith experiences because of their caste identity. They embraced Christianity as a faith affirmation against caste slavery and these experiences vary according to regional contexts. It is not only common knowledge but also borne out of numerous extensive research studies that the Dalits are unfortunately still identified first by their caste by a large section of the Indian society. All their other identities, arising from their religious, regional, linguistic and other affiliations are secondary identities that do nothing to displace the severity of the caste-based discrimination and violence that they suffer.

Followed by the decades long mass struggles and advocacy initiatives, finally a Writ Petition (180/2004) was filed in the Supreme Court of India by the Centre for Public Interest Litigation challenging the Presidential (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950. The Writ Petition is also looking for justice from the apex court to allow and extend the Scheduled Caste status to Christians of Scheduled Caste origin for availing special privilege in education, getting scholarships, employment opportunity, welfare measures, affirmative actions, right to contest in the reserved constituencies from panchayat, legislative assemblies up to the Parliament and for availing the legal remedy/protection under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes (Prevention) of Atrocities Act, 1989 amended in the year 2018.

On January 7th 2020, The Supreme Court agreed to examine the plea filed by Adv. Franklin Caesar Thomas that Dalit Christians or Christians of Scheduled Castes origin should enjoy the same quota benefits reserved for Scheduled Castes. The Civil Writ petition is pending before the Hon’ble Court for further hearing. The Supreme Court has a monumental opportunity now to render justice to millions of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims who continue to suffer from social stigma and the horrors of untouchability.

In October 2022, the Central Government appointed the Justice K.G. Balakrishnan Commission to examine the Scheduled Caste status for Dalit Christians and Muslims, with a mandate to report back in two years. On May 30th and 31st, 2023, the Church of South India conducted a public hearing in Chennai, titled “A Cry for Justice.” This event focused on Christians of Scheduled Caste origin and documented the discrimination they faced within churches and society throughout Southern India. The NCDC, in collaboration with the NCCI and CBCI, organised conclaves across India on the topic of extending Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims The findings are to be filed before the Justice Balakrishnan Commission.

Meanwhile in the Supreme Court all petitioners were instructed to combine their filings, with Advocate Gauthaman appointed to oversee the process. Despite these actions, the case was listed but has not yet been heard and remains pending. The 74 years of struggle for justice should be supported by the people who believe in equality and democracy. We await Justice with earnest faith in God.

A Prayer and Protest session is organised in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 10th August 2024 from 10 AM to 1PM along with the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the National Council of Dalit Christians (NCDC). Elsewhere in the Country, Christians and Churches will join together locally for sessions of prayer and protest on the same day.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary
August 2024

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NEWS RELEASE | Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) condemns the intent of the Uttar Pradesh Government in moving the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024. This amendment significantly intensifies the provisions of the original Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. While the 2021 Act already classified religious conversion as a cognizable and non-bailable offense, with penalties up to 10 years in prison for conversions conducted through marriage, misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, or other allegedly fraudulent methods, the new amendment introduces even harsher measures. It raises the maximum penalty from 10 years to life imprisonment, allows any individual to file a complaint, and complicates the bail process.

We object to this law in so far as it violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution. Conversion itself is not an offence unless induced by undue influence, misrepresentation, or coercion, which only the victim can claim. Additionally, the new law adversely affects the harmonious life in India and the basic rights of it’s citizens;

  • Impact on Fundamental Rights: The anti-conversion law encroaches on the constitutional right to freely practice and profess religion, a fundamental human right recognized by both the Indian Constitution and international human rights standards.
  • Restrictions on Personal Freedom: The law imposes undue limitations on individuals’ ability to make independent choices regarding their faith.
  • Potential for Abuse: The law grants extensive authority to officials and any third parties which could be misused to target specific individuals or communities based on religious prejudice.
  • Risk of Increased Harassment: There is a risk of heightened harassment and criminalization of peaceful religious practices, including baptism in Christianity.
  • Exacerbation of Communal Tensions: By creating an environment of mistrust and division, the law threatens to aggravate communal tensions and undermine India’s diverse religious harmony.
  • Vague Provisions: The law contains ambiguous provisions including that of ‘mass conversion’ that are susceptible to broad interpretation, leading to inconsistent enforcement and possible injustice.
  • Paternalistic Approach: The law adopts a paternalistic perspective, undermining individuals’ dignity by implying they are incapable of making informed choices about their own religious beliefs.

In light of these concerns, NCCI calls on the Uttar Pradesh Government to rethink this law and promptly abandon its effort to enact it.  It is imperative that we uphold the values of freedom, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations.

We encourage a more inclusive dialogue with all faith groups on how best to address concerns about coercive conversions without infringing on fundamental freedoms. The emphasis should be on ensuring that all individuals can make personal choices without fear of legal repercussions or social ostracism.

Rev Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

Dated: 31 July, 2024

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Looking up with pride even as challenges abound . . .

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On the occasion of the 75th Republic Day we look up with pride at the huge strides that ‘we the people’ have taken to reach where we are today. Many empowering legislations have been negotiated and passed, democratic patterns of governance and election processes have still been affirmed, many autocratic and despotic governments were replaced, the legislative, judicial and administrative branches of polity have time again been held accountable, systems of local governance have been put in place with planning and monitoring powers in the hands of the voter; huge strides in science and technology, communication and media, economics, banking and commerce, as well as in education and health care; all these and more in the last 74 years of governing ourselves as a republic.

Despite the many strides that make one proud citizen of this great country, some gaps are still evident. The renewed and aggressive attempts to equate Ram rajya with hindu rashtra is rather worrisome. In recent times this has created a sense of despondency in the minds of the minority ethnic and religious communities. This, coupled with the eluding peace in Manipur and the untold continuing hardship experienced by the people of the Christian Community there over nine months and even to this day, leaves much to be desired.

On the occasion of the 75th Republic day the National Council of Churches in India requests the 14 million faithful belonging to the protestant and orthodox churches in it’s membership, to join the entire Christian Community and well meaning citizens of all religious and ideological persuasions in reiterating and affirming the pluriform multicultural credentials of the country. The NCCI urges this in the strong conviction that an India that continues on its strong secular credentials is fundamental to development of all peoples (use of ‘s’ intentional) irrespective of religious and ethnic identities so that no one is left behind.

The 75th year is an opportune moment to rediscover us together, the us who we were in days past. We urge all Christians to join people of similar intentions in birthing this India once again – the India that we know – the India where the Constitution will be protected, concerns of all communities addressed, spiritualities of all respected, secular credentials of the State affirmed, and there is no one left behind.

Let us together build this India we know of, and leave it as a cherished legacy for generations to come.

Jai Hind !

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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My kingdom is not of this world. . . Christmas 2023

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The Gospel according to Mathew starts with the question about the birth of the King of the Jews, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” (Mathew 2:2). Legend holds that the fourth Magi’s search for the Messiah ended when he ultimately reached Golgotha much after the Messiah was crucified – “And sitting down they watched him there; and set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS….. (Mathew 27: 36, 37) .

While being questioned whether he was the king of the Jews, Jesus responds “My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18: 36). This resonates with what the writer of the fourth gospel records earlier that Jesus’ followers are ‘in’ the world but not ‘of’ the world (John 17: 13,14, 15).

While Mathew presents Jesus as ‘king of the jews’ amidst the shining star and Magi, Luke portrays Jesus’ birth with the angels and the shepherds as a matter of great Joy to the world. The writer of the Gospel according to Mark, however, starts with Jesus’ wilful enrolment into the call of John the Baptist. With no reference to Joseph (except Joseph of Arimathea) and without any reference to Mary as his mother, Mark presents Jesus as saying, ” …. whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother” (Mark 3: 31 – 35) indicating working the will of God as the primary purpose of mission in the world.

While migrants and the marginalised find a place in the Christmas story of Mathew and Luke, Mark and John sharpen the focus to challenge us to remind ourselves of working the will of God.

This year the birth of Jesus is observed amidst war and conflict, contexts that are sub-human to say the least. Left unchecked, these contexts lead to a depravity of human mind that is self-annihilating.

Through all the din that surrounds Christmas, let us recognise the still small voice that calls us to an introspection of where we are vis-a-vis working the will of God – a call to fall in line with the mission of Jesus, that call to which we have responded in faith through baptism. May the observances of Christmas propel us to witness to a barrier- free, non-hegemonic, casteless world that affirms diversity in pluriforms – in the world but with an ‘out of the world’ experience of joy and peace – a ‘kingdom’ that is not of this world.

Let us Rejoice in hope, Review life-mission, Re-orient foci, Relocate amidst people…

Merry Christmas

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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