Posts

Ecumenism As Encounter : School of Ecumenism 2026

When young people, hailing from different regions, churches, histories, and hopes, converged in one place, ecumenism ceased to be an idea and became an encounter. The NCCI Commission on Youth organised the School of Ecumenism from 12th to 16th August 2026, bringing together 35 young people representing NCCI constituents from Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Tamil Nadu & Telangana. The five-day programme provided a space for young people to engage with the meaning and practice of ecumenism through reflection, dialogue, worship, cultural exchange, and exposure to various diversities.

Its commencement with the observance of International Youth Day, bringing young people and youth leaders into conversation around the theme Different Contexts, Common Aspirations brought resource persons from diverse faith traditions and professional backgrounds, encouraging participants to reflect critically on their responsibilities as young people and as members of a pluralistic society.

Across the five-day programme, participants were encouraged to learn, unlearn, and relearn, deepening their understanding of ecumenism while engaging with the rich plurality of faiths, traditions, and practices that shape India’s diverse social and religious landscape.  Through interactive sessions and critical discussions, participants engaged with the theological foundations, historical development, contemporary expressions, and emerging challenges of ecumenism, fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the ecumenical movement.  The programme sought to move beyond understanding ecumenism solely as an institutional or organisational concern and presented it as a lived shared-commitment to unity, justice, dialogue, and mutual respect.

School of Ecumenism intentionally created space for transgender persons, persons with disabilities, and people across generations, to highlight the importance of creating communities in which diversity is recognised, respected, and meaningfully included. Learning extended beyond the classroom through immersive visits and meaningful dialogues with multi-faith communities and social movements, enabling participants to engage with diverse perspectives, lived realities, and collective struggles for justice.

Yet the deepest learning was perhaps found in the spaces between people. Strangers slowly became companions; difference became dialogue; dialogue ripened into friendship. What began as a gathering of diverse individuals ended as a community carrying a shared ecumenical consciousness. They came as strangers but left as friends, and most significantly, as ambassadors of ecumenism.

The third School of Ecumenism, a significant annual event of the NCCI Commission on Youth, thus provided a meaningful platform for young people to embody, embrace and advance the spirit of ecumenism in their churches and communities.

The team of interns and volunteers, Ms. Lina Zhimo, Mr. Methuselah Riahmei, Mr. Emmanuel Joel, and Ms. Irene David, provided assistance, while Mr. Bevei Simeon Konha, Program Executive – COY, facilitated the programme. Ms. Smriti Priyansha, Executive Secretary – COY, coordinated the overall programme. Their collective efforts ensured the programme’s smooth and effective execution.

Smriti Priyansha

Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth

/0 Comments/by

A Call to the Conscience of Our Nation: Standing with India’s Students and Youth

,

A Solidarity Statement of the Commission on Youth –

National Council of Churches in India (NCCI)

Today, the voices of India’s students and youth are echoing across every corner of the nation. What began as a demand for an educational and examination system that is honest, transparent, fair, and accountable has grown into a wider call for justice, integrity, and equal opportunity. At the heart of this movement is a generation yearning for a just system, institutions that inspire public trust, and equal opportunities for every student to learn, flourish, and pursue their aspirations. Their concerns reflect deep disappointment with systemic failures and a longing for a nation where fairness, accountability, and hope remain the foundation of public life. This is a call to the conscience of our nation that deserves to be heard with sincerity and responsibility.

It is deeply concerning that peaceful democratic protests have, in many instances, been met with force instead of dialogue. Reports of lathi charges, tear gas, and other coercive measures against students and concerned citizens are distressing, particularly in a nation that takes pride in being one of the world’s largest democracies and is founded on constitutional values. Peaceful protest is not a threat to democracy—it is one of its greatest strengths. Responding to the aspirations of young people with confrontation rather than meaningful engagement risks eroding public trust and weakening our democratic spirit. The courage to listen, engage in dialogue, uphold justice, and exercise restraint must prevail over intimidation and the suppression of legitimate voices.

The Commission on Youth of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) stands in prayerful solidarity with every student and young person whose hopes have been shaken by systems that have failed to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity. We recognize the courage of those who continue to raise their voices peacefully in pursuit of truth and accountability, and we remember with sorrow all those whose lives have been affected by this crisis. These protests should not be mistaken for a sudden awakening. Across generations, young people have never been silent spectators. Whenever systems have failed—in education, employment, or democratic life—they have stood up with courage and conviction. The pursuit of fairness, equal opportunity, and accountability has always been central to youth movements in India.

We urge the Government and all concerned authorities to address their legitimate demands and concerns with sincerity, urgency, and transparency, to safeguard the rights of students and youth across the country, both at present and in the future, and to restore public confidence through accountable governance. We also commend the utmost restraint shown by students, youth, and concerned citizens in upholding the principles of peace, non-violence, and democratic engagement. The strength of our democracy lies not in silencing dissent but in listening with wisdom and safeguarding the dignity and rights of every person.

A nation that calls its youth to study hard, dream big, and contribute to society must also honour its responsibility to protect their rights, listen to their concerns, and ensure they are never subjected to unfair treatment for standing up for justice. As an ecumenical fellowship, we believe the Church is called to stand wherever human dignity is threatened and justice is denied. We therefore invite churches, faith communities, youth organizations, civil society, and all people of goodwill to join in prayer and faithful action for a nation where truth is honoured, justice is upheld, and every young person can live, learn, and dream with hope. In this defining moment, may we choose truth over silence, hope over despair. The Scriptures remind us, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” (Isaiah 1:17), and “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” (Amos 5:24).

May our nation shine with justice, hope, and dignity for all.

Mihika M Bhore
Chairperson – Commission on Youth, NCCI

Smirti Priyansha
Executive Secretary – Commission on Youth, NCCI

Bevei Konah Simeon
Programme Executive – Commission on Youth, NCCI

/0 Comments/by

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

/12 Comments/by

NCCI School of Ecumenism begins on a high note…

 

NCCI Commission on Youth Concerns celebrates the legacy of Bishop V S Azariah on his 150 birth year. Six days’ School of Ecumenism started at Nagpur today with the very innovative inaugural service. Twenty Eight young people from different parts of India and from different churches are participating to learn about ecumenism.

Rev. Dr. Pakiam T Samuel Director of HMI and Vice President of NCCI gave the Keynote address. Rev. Dr Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary of NCCI and Mr. Angelious Michael, Director of India Peace Centre greeted the young participants. Rev Asher Noah, NCCI Youth Concerns Executive Secretary welcomed all the participants and introduced them to the elements of the six-day program.

Mr. Michael Angelious, who started with NCCI as a participant of the Youth Empowerment Training in 1999, was felicitated for 25 years of facilitating the Spirit of Ecumenism in Church and Society.

Click here for more photos

 

/0 Comments/by

No excuse for Elder Abuse: NCCI on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) – Commission on Youth Concerns organized a webinar on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th, 2024 to discuss the various issues, violences, physical and mental abuse and challenges faced by elders and how they can prevent the elder abuse by taking help of other people and in some cases help from NGOs. This webinar gave insight of different types of elder abuses and some real stories shared by participants.


Rev. Rajesh Matthew, from Mar Thoma Prayojana Institute, Kearla, an old age home, shared his experience working with elders. He spoke about the issue of children abandoning their elderly parents and the importance of recognizing the value of elders as the backbone of society. Rev. Deepak Abraham from CNI also shared his experiences on elder abuse also shared insights on theological inclusivity encountered during his ministry.

Mr. Thayil Daniel Samuel Geontologist, Palliative Care counselor/volunteer., gave the keynote address on the realities of elder abuse in India. He discussed the country’s changing demographics with a growing elderly population and increasing life expectancy. Dr. Sam explored the perspectives of both younger and older generations, underlining the need for improved communication and understanding. A short film reinforcing the message of “No excuse for Elder Abuse” was presented during his session. Dr. Sam defined elder abuse, its prevalence, and risk factors as outlined in the WHO report of 2015, including factors like migration, disabilities, mental health, and social isolation. He explained the different types of elder abuse, which include physical, emotional, financial, neglect, abandonment, and sexual abuse. He elaborated on signs of abuse, highlighting verbal abuse as the most common form, and emphasized the impact of abuse on the physical and mental health of victims, including the loss of fundamental rights.

Empowering elders to protect themselves from abuse was a key part of Mr. Sam’s presentation. He encouraged awareness of rights, seeking help when needed, avoiding pressured financial decisions, and maintaining mental and physical well-being. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, a government initiative supporting elders, was explained by Dr. Sam. He also shared helpline numbers and resource websites.

This webinar led by Rev. Asher Noah, NCCI- Commission on Youth Concerns and Ms. Mihika Bhore Vice President- NCCI discussed about elder abuse from a psychological perspective.

The webinar provided valuable information and raised awareness about the critical issue of elder abuse in India. It offered resources and empowered participants to identify, prevent, and address this form of mistreatment.

Rev. Asher Noah
Executive Secretary
NCCI-Commission on Youth Concerns

/0 Comments/by

Ecumenical Youth Gathering on Towards a Just life and Affirming Identities in Migration

,

A one day Ecumenical Youth Gathering was conducted in the city of Nagpur on the theme “ Towards Just Life and Affirming Identities in Migration on 25th May 2024. Around 20 Young people gathered from different Churches and discussed on Addressing the issues on migrants youth.

Rev.  Asher, Executive Secretary Commission on Youth concerns, NCCI addressed the challenges that young people are going through globally and questioned how the ecclesial structures are responding on this issue. The main cause of youth migration are obviously the economic condition and the prospects for youth in a particular region. He said that migration raises questions about identity justice, racism advocacy and diakonia.

Rev. Ganesh Barve Presbyter, All saints Cathedral CNI Church, Nagpur  shared the reflection on Migration.  He emphasised the historical aspects of migration from the biblical perspective.

Mr. Rajesh Jadav in his opening remarks challenged young people to be open to listen the stories of people with pain and suffering.   He brought a case study on migration saying that Covid has challenged the church whether they will be inclusive in giving them an space and unfortunately many churches were not migrant friendly where other religions were opened up to give space.  He asked youth to challenge the church structures to be inclusive.

Mr. Khaten from North East Fellowship had shared the experiences as student migrant and Manipur student in Nagpur had shared their experiences on migration. Mr. Jammu Anandh in his session highlighted the means of identities in migrations. The cities are build by the migrants. He addressed that migration has both positive and negative impact where a product mechanism is been applied that man force is needed to operate the product.  He also highlighted Article 15 where everyone is treated equal irrespective of caste, gender, sex and place. He mentioned that Constitution is above the religions and constitution provides rights to the migrants.

/0 Comments/by

Call for applications to the post of NCCI Executive Secretary – NCCI Youth Concerns Ministry

National Council of Churches in India

Call for Applications

 

Applications are invited from interested candidates to serve as Executive Secretary NCCI Youth Concerns.

The candidate must belong to a Member Church of NCCI and should have a commitment to Youth concerns. The appointment will be for a term of five years beginning from 3rd January 2022.

Requirements:

  • A minimum of a Bachelors degree.
  • Should also have a basic Theological Degree (Senate of Serampore College B.D. or its equivalent).
  • Should have a good command in English language – both spoken and written
  • Should be between 25-30 years of age and should have a national ecumenical exposure.
  • Should be endorsed and recommended by the Head of the NCCI Constituent Church of which the candidate is a member.
  • Should have a rich experience of working among youth groups.
  • Should be creative, innovative and communicative.
  • Should have an experience of working in an IT-enabled environment.
  • Should be willing to relocate to Delhi

 Interested candidates may apply with their curriculum vitae including necessary enclosures, endorsement from the head of the NCCI Member Church, and a photograph (with an advance copy by email) to:

The General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India
Post Box 205, Civil Lines
Beside Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board,
Nagpur 440 001, Maharashtra State
Phone:  (0712) 2531312 / 2561464
Email:  ncci@ncci1914.com

 

Last date for receiving application by post/ courier is 7th December 2021.

Short listed candidates will be intimated about the date and time of the interview.

Download pdf file

Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

 Date: November 25, 2021

 

/23 Comments/by

Youths of The National Council of Churches in India commemorates International Youth Day

“There is need for a new language and new landscape. We require a New Pentecost experience that involves, not of speaking in many times but listening with many ears.” Rev. Dr. Peniel Rajkumar, WCC.

International Youth Day (IYD) Celebration

The NCCI proffers room to maneuver the youth of Indian Churches on occasion of International Youth Day (IYD) on 12th August 2020. The NCCI’s theme of IYD 2020, “We Count…Youth Engagement for Global Action” based on the UN’s IYD theme “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary, NCCI in his introductory greetings asserted the importance of Sustainable development goals targeted to achieve by 2030 and the need of its critical engagement. “We count” as the theme in our culturally oriented context that we always have a leadership role who are older and youth activity and representation are restricted on terms of experience. He emboldened the youth with contention that youth are well equipped to clear the disorder the older people have brought this world to.

Mr. Liju Kuriakose, the youth Vice President of NCCI invigorated the youth and youth leaders of various churches mentioning it is the “youth that has the duty to be protectors of the nation, be the prophet of the nation, be the guiding lamp of change in each age in each period of its own we have to be responsible and not remain in our own Comforts in our own cocoons which is a luxury but we have to be torch bearers of change and the new age wisdom.”

Rev. Dr. Peniel Rajkumar, Programme Executive, Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation, World Council of Churches (WCC) in his keynote address notably highlighted the theme “We count” and questions, do we really think you count in a world that could be sadly described as caught in a spiral of addictive hierarchy? He elucidated this from the challenging times when ‘What would Jesus do’ movement channeled the work of youth. “In the present times there has to be a new slogan “where would Jesus be?” What would be Jesus’ place in church and institutions as a young man in his 30’s given the occlusion and discrimination against youth in our systems and structures, would Jesus be within our churches or outside? How do we move ahead? By being cognizant of my own privileges and recognizing that I am very much part of the problem and remain so useless I see my repentance and redemption by being part of the solution.”

Various international ecumenical youth bodies and churches also joined the celebration and shared greetings to the youth. “Being young today is rewarding as well as challenging. Today young people find many challenges, integrating in the adult-led society, often the challenge are over looked, undervalued,” says Pranita Biswasi, a Program Executive for Youth, Lutheran World Federation (LWF).

“As young people we are not just the church tomorrow but already part of God’s people today. We may lack experience but we are also limited by power struggle to simply speak the truth like the prophet” says Rev. Cindy Huang, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, a Youth Executive Committee member of Christian Conference of Asia (CCA).

“As youth, particularly in South Asia, commonly ask the socio-political problems and the endemic problem of corruption in their countries, youth engagement and increased representation across institutions is important for us to have a hope for better tomorrow.” Ms. Prasansa Subba, Coordinator, Nepal, South Asian Christian Youth Network (SACYN).

Role of Youth in Political Engagement

Rev. Fr. Vineeth Koshy keenly clarified, distaste in politics emerges at a very early age among the youth. There have been many connotations to Indian politics over the last decade, primarily the negative ones. Rev. Koshy further pressed upon that today’s young generation is more powerful than the previous one. He urged the youth to actively involved in the political movement as it has a direct widespread impacted upon social, economic, environmental and religious welfare of the country.

The NCCI International Youth Day celebration also witnessed cultural activities such as classical, devotional, traditional dances and songs from the youth bodies of the member churches of NCCI showcasing and representing the rich culture and practices throughout the country.

International Youth Day Webinar Series

As part of the IYD commemoration, the NCCI also conducted a weekly month-long series of webinars from 29th July to 18th August 2020 addressing various issues and concerns facing by the youth and the society at large to bring awareness, educate, and build their capacity for further active engagement at the grassroots, regional, national and international level. The IYD webinar series addressed the issues such as, Affirmation Human Rights: Intercepting Human Trafficking; Youth Mental Health; and Youth Engagement for Peacebuilding.

Mr. Jianthaolung Gonmei
Executive Secretary –  NCCI Youth Concerns

/25 Comments/by

Affirming Human Rights: Intercepting Human Trafficking International Youth Day Webinar Series

29th July 2020 (Wednesday) 5:00 pm (IST)

 Trafficking in persons is internationally defined criminal offence. Trafficking in human has been identified as the third largest source of profit for organized crimes, following arms and drug trafficking. Trafficking takes place for various purposes such as bonded labour, prostitution, forced marriages, domestic servitude, adoption, begging, organ trade, drug couriers, arms smugglings etc. and is an organized crime that gravely violates basic human rights. Human trafficking is not just a law enforcement issue, but a heinous crime which violates basic human rights, including their right to live with dignity and self-respect.

Trafficking in human beings covers various forms of coercion and exploitation of women, men and children. Responses to trafficking have traditionally focused on combating the criminal networks involved in it or protecting the human rights of victims. Young people, especially those with risk factors, are vulnerable to human trafficking. According to The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 51% of identified victims of trafficking are women, 28% children and 21% men; 72% people exploited in the sex industry are women; 63% of identified traffickers were men and 37% women; 43% of victims are trafficked domestically within national borders. According to a report by the National Human Rights Commission of India, 40,000 children are abducted each year, leaving 11,000 untraced. NGO’s estimate that between 12,000 and 50,000 women and children are trafficked into the country annually from neighbouring nations as a part of the sex trade.

In India, thousands of women, men and children are bonded to their employers, working for little or no wages because their earnings are retained in part or full to repay an outstanding loan. Many still work in agriculture, although bonded labourers are increasingly found in other sectors, including mining, brick making, textiles and domestic service. The victims of bonded labour tend to be drawn from the poorest and least educated segments of the population, from low castes and religious minorities – those who are vulnerable, excluded and voiceless. People in bondage are usually highly indebted to their employer. The debt results in pledging future labour for a few months, a year or longer periods; or may pass from one generation to the next.

This webinar will explore the ground realities and the aftermath of the atrocities done towards the humankind, and the way forward to intercept the violation of human rights.

Resource Persons:

Dr. M. Devasitham, MSW, PhD.

Associate Director, Strategic Development
International Justice Mission, Chennai

Rev. Sumith G Unni

Senior Associate, Community and Corporate Engagement
International Justice Mission, Mumbai

Click here for Registration 

Jianthaolung Gonmei
Executive Secretary,  NCCI Youth Concerns 

/17 Comments/by

NCCI CMAI Webinar on Youth and Mental Health in the Context of COVID-19

,

                                     

Rebooting as Ekklesia Series:
Youth and Mental Health in the Context of COVID-19
13th June 2020 (Saturday) 05:00 pm (IST)

In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Subsequently in March 2020, the WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. Ever since, the outbreak of COVID-19 throughout the world has caused public panic and mental health stress, with an increasing number of cases being diagnosed and public concerns about infection. The ripples of this pandemic have spread out affecting the public and individuals resulting with interconnected effects on the socio-economic, mental, and physical well being. The society, particularly the young people into experience psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and even death due to loss of jobs, failure of business, disturbance of education (even to the loss of academic year), loss of family members, social lockdown and the restrictions that affect their way of ‘normal’ day to day life.

In India, 65% of the population is less than the age of 35 years and 50% below 25 years of age. These young people are the backbone of the country and at this moment in time of pandemic many of them are undergoing mental breakdown. The social and economic fissures exposed by the pandemic have already caused in unemployment, depleted social safety nets, starvation, among other things among the young people. This post-COVID landscape becomes a fertile breeding ground for an increase in chronic stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol dependence, and self-harm in which the young people have fallen victim.

The Church, Church-based organizations and the faith community as a whole have a great role in rebuilding the holistic well being of the society and individual particularly the young people in both clinical/scientific approach and pastoral care. We will reconnoitre the means and ways from the resource persons during the webinar.

Resource Persons:
Dr. Kimneihat Vaiphei
Asst. Professor,
Department of Psychiatric Social Work
NIMHANS, Bangalore
Rev. Dr. Israel David
Asst. Professor,
Department of Christian Ministry
Union Biblical Seminary, Pune

Click here for registration.

Download Concept Note

 

/25 Comments/by