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A Tribute to a Comrade – Rajan Sudhir Singh.

02.02.1947 – 30.09.2026

Rajan‘s favourite verses,
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” – Luke 4:18

Rajan Sudhir Singh was a comrade in the truest, most biblical sense of the word.

He was one who understood that the Gospel cannot remain imprisoned in pulpits, in seminaries, or in theological textbooks. For him, the Word had to become flesh again – in the slums, on the streets, among the workers, the displaced, and the forgotten. He believed that the biblical message of liberation is not a metaphor, but a mandate to act.

His was a pilgrimage of the people:

From BUILD – Bombay Urban Industrial League for Development, where he first learned the language of the street; to DAGA (Documentation for Asian Groups in Asia) in Hong Kong, DAGA was closely working with Christian Conference of Asia,where his vision became ecumenical and global; and back to BUILD as its General Secretary. He later served with SBSS, the social work department of the Church of North India, before his long and defining journey with the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) as Executive Secretary of the Urban Rural Mission (URM).

But to list his positions is to miss the prophet in him.

Like the prophets of old who left the palace to walk among the people, Rajan chose the margins as his parish. It is no surprise that people affectionately called him “Slum Rajan”. The name came from his courageous initiative to establish a slum settlement at Jaffer Baba Colony in Bandra, Mumbai – not as charity, but as an act of solidarity, affirming the right of the poor to the city, to dignity, to a place to live. It was his way of living out Isaiah 58: to lose the bonds of injustice and to let the oppressed go free, to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house.

As a teacher, he was a true Guru of liberation theology. He trained hundreds of theological students, not to memorize doctrines, but to read the Bible from below – through the eyes of the Dalit, the Adivasi, the worker, the woman, the slum dweller. His beloved Formation for Mission (FFM) programme was not a training, but a conversion – where students were unlearned of their privilege and reborn into the struggles of the people. He taught that Mission is not Missio ad Gentes (mission to the people), but Missio inter Gentes (mission among the people).

He was a keeper of memory, a scribe of the movement. In his book “Christ Revolution,” he documented the history of the Urban Rural Mission, lest we forget that Christianity in India has a radical history – of standing with the people, not above them. He preserved a legacy so that future generations would know that another church is possible.

Those who walked with him will remember not just the theologian, the leader, the activist, but the human being – full of stories that would make you laugh and think at the same time, full of a disarming humour, and full of an unshakable, almost childlike conviction that another world is possible – if we are willing to work, struggle, and pray for it.

He lived the Parable of the Mustard Seed. He believed that small, faithful actions in a small slum in Bandra could become a shelter for many.

Born on 2 February 1947, just months before India’s independence, his life mirrored the journey of a nation searching for justice. On 30 September 2026, he completed his earthly pilgrimage and began his eternal journey to be with the Lord.

He leaves behind more than institutions and books. He leaves behind a cloud of witnesses – students he taught, communities he stood with, young people whose conscience he awakened, and a movement that is richer because he lived.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:23

Rest in Power, Comrade Rajan. Rest in Peace, Prophet of the Slums. Your work lives on in us.

With deep respect and solidarity,

National Council of Churches in India and the URM family.

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A TRIBUTE TO REV DR. B. MOHAN LARBEER

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) joins the Church, theological institutions, ecumenical partners, and countless friends in mourning the passing of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer, an eminent theologian, visionary educator, committed ecumenist, and tireless advocate for justice and human dignity.

Rev Dr. Larbeer’s life was a remarkable testimony to the inseparable relationship between faith and social responsibility. Throughout his ministry and academic leadership, he consistently demonstrated that theology must emerge from the lived realities of people, especially those who experience marginalisation, oppression, and poverty. His theological vision was deeply rooted in the struggles and aspirations of the vulnerable, making him a prophetic voice in both Church and society.

As Principal of Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary, Madurai,he inspired generations of students to understand theological education not merely as an academic pursuit but as a transformative journey of discipleship, justice, and service. Under his leadership, theological formation was closely connected to the concerns of ordinary people, equipping future ministers to engage courageously with issues of human dignity, liberation, and social transformation.

Rev Dr. Larbeer’s contribution extended to the wider ecumenical theological community through his service as Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC). In this significant national role, he helped shape theological education across India and South Asia by promoting academic excellence, ecumenical cooperation, contextual theological reflection, and ministerial formation.

The ecumenical movement in India has lost a distinguished leader whose life reflected the values of inclusion, compassion, and prophetic witness. Yet, his legacy continues through the countless students he mentored, the communities he served, and the theological vision he bequeathed to the Church.

As we give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer, we pray that his witness will continue to inspire churches, theological institutions, and future generations to pursue a faith that stands with the oppressed, protects human dignity, and bears faithful witness to the liberating love of Christ.

The National Council of Churches in India extends its heartfelt condolences to Rev Dr Margret Kalaiselvi and Ms Manju, the bereaved family members, colleagues, former students, and all whose lives were touched by his ministry.

May the soul of Rev Dr. B. Mohan Larbeer rest in God’s eternal peace, and may his memory remain a blessing to the Church and society.

Rev Dr Asir Ebenezer

General Secretary

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Tribute Dr Ricky Syngkon

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A Friend of NCCI and a Leader by Example

The National Council of Churches in India mourns the passing of Dr. Ricky Andrew J Syngkon, a cherished friend, preacher and a political leader whose life exemplified integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him as colleague, collaborator, and companion in faith.

A Life of Service

Dr. Syngkon’s dedication to the people of Meghalaya and the nation was evident throughout his distinguished career. As Member of Parliament representing Shillong, he served with distinction, bringing the voices and concerns of his constituents to the national stage. His political journey, rooted in the Voice of the People Party, reflected his deep conviction that governance must serve the common good and uplift the marginalized.

In Parliament, Dr. Syngkon was known for his thoughtful contributions, his advocacy for the rights of indigenous communities, and his steadfast commitment to social justice. He understood politics not as a pursuit of power, but as a sacred trust—a means of building a more just and compassionate society.

A Friend of NCCI

Beyond his political service, Dr. Syngkon was a true friend of the ecumenical movement in India. His relationship with the NCCI was marked by constancy, wisdom, and genuine care. He participated actively in consultations and assemblies, bringing both theological depth and practical insight to every conversation. He understood that the work of Christian unity and witness required patience, humility, and courage—qualities he embodied fully.

Dr. Syngkon’s friendship extended beyond formal meetings. He remembered people, followed up on conversations, and offered encouragement when the work felt heavy. He built relationships that sustained institutions and strengthened the bonds of fellowship among us.

Leadership by Example

Dr. Syngkon led not by assertion of authority, but by the power of example. His leadership was characterized by:

Humility—content to serve without seeking recognition, faithful in places where visibility was low but faithfulness was essential.

Courage—unafraid to speak truth when justice demanded it, addressing communal violence, discrimination, and the marginalization of vulnerable communities with conviction rooted in prayer and Scripture.

Compassion—seeing people as image-bearers of God, each with their own sacred worth, and walking alongside those who were weary with pastoral care.

Wisdom—bringing theological insight and practical discernment to guide communities toward faithful action.

His Enduring Legacy

Dr. Syngkon taught us that unity is not uniformity, that justice is not optional for the Church, that leadership is a trust rather than a trophy, and that faithfulness—even when unrecognized by the world—is profoundly significant in the eyes of God.

Though his voice is now stilled, the echoes of his life continue. They reverberate in the lives he mentored, the communities he served, and the movements he helped to build. His legacy calls us to carry on the work of justice, reconciliation, and service to which he gave himself so fully.

As we grieve, we also give thanks—for his friendship, his leadership, his witness. We commend Dr. Ricky Syngkon to the tender mercy of God, trusting in the resurrection and the life everlasting. May his soul rest in peace, and may his example continue to inspire us as we press on in faith.

‘Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your master.’

— Matthew 25:23

In loving memory,

The National Council of Churches in India

And all who knew him as friend, colleague, and guide

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Tribute to Mr. Rajakara Rao

With deep sorrow and profound respect, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) mourns the passing Mr. Rajakara Rao on 2nd December 2025. He was a devoted servant of God and a committed leader of the Convention of Baptist Churches of Northern Circars (CBCNC) and also, a General Body Member of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) for almost 15 years.  

Mr. Rajakara Rao’s life was a testimony of faith, humility, and unwavering dedication to the CBCNC mission and its unity. As a representative of CBCNC, he stood as a bridge-builder between communities, always emphasizing the call of Christ to serve with compassion, justice, and love. His contributions to NCCI will be remembered with gratitude and honor.

We give thanks to God for his fruitful life and faithful service. Though we grieve his loss, we rejoice in the assurance that he now rests in the eternal peace of Christ whom he served so faithfully.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, and the CBCNC community. May God’s comfort and strength surround them during this time of sorrow.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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Metropolitan Mar Aprem: An Ecumenical Episcopal Public Witness

With deep sorrow and profound respect, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) mourns the passing Mar Aprem Metropolitan, the esteemed head of the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East in India, who entered eternal rest on July 7, 2025, at the age of 85.

Mar Aprem Metropolitan was a visionary church leader, prolific writer, theologian, historian, and ecumenist whose life and ministry spanned over five decades, served his church and the wider Christian community with distinction, grace, and unwavering commitment.

Throughout his life, Mar Aprem Metropolitan remained deeply committed to the cause of Christian unity, justice, and peace. He was an active participant in the global ecumenical movement and contributed significantly to the life and witness of the church in India and beyond. His scholarship enriched not only the ecclesial community but also the fields of church history, interfaith relations, and social justice. His literary contributions, spanning over 70 books in English and Malayalam, reflected his deep faith, keen intellect, and unique sense of humor.

A man of deep humility, profound wisdom, and immense compassion, Mar Aprem Metropolitan leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, and love that will continue to inspire generations to come.

The NCCI extends its heartfelt condolences to the bishops, clergy, and faithful of the Chaldean Syrian Church of the East, as well as to his family and loved ones. We give thanks to God for his life, witness, and enduring contributions to the church and society.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

                            

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Gustavo Gutierez – A Tribute

National Council of Churches in India mourns the passing of Rev. Gustavo Gutiérrez, a pivotal figure in liberation theology, who died at 96. His influential work, particularly his landmark book A Theology of Liberation, reshaped Christian thought, prioritising the plight of the poor and marginalised. Gutiérrez famously declared that poverty is not just an economic condition but a moral scandal, challenging the church and society to address this reality.

His insights encouraged the contextualization of theology rooted in God’s liberating action throughout history. He advocated for theology as a “critical reflection on Christian praxis in light of God’s word,” inspiring the development of third-world theologies that emphasize the experiences of common people. Indian liberation theologies owe much to his vision.

Born in Lima, Peru, on June 8, 1928, Gutiérrez’s early battle with polio deepened his empathy for human suffering. He rejected the prevailing Neo-Scholasticism of his era, instead promoting a theology grounded in the lived experiences of oppression and inequality. His work gained particular resonance during the political turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s in Latin America, where people sought justice.

Gutiérrez reimagined salvation to include human liberation and social justice as essential to the Christian message. His concept of the “preferential option for the poor” became a guiding principle, urging Christians to elevate the voices of the marginalized.

Despite facing criticism for the perceived influence of Marxian thought, Gutiérrez maintained that liberation theology should be subject to critical examination rather than outright condemnation. This approach enriched the understanding of faith in action.

His theological legacy serves as a call to actively engage in the struggles against poverty and injustice. Gutiérrez emphasized that Christian love must translate into action, challenging the church to address not only individual suffering but also the systemic structures perpetuating inequality.

As we reflect on Rev. Gutiérrez’s life and work, we celebrate his unwavering dedication to advocating for the poor and marginalized. His voice will continue to inspire us to seek justice, support the oppressed, and embody a faith deeply intertwined with humanity’s struggles. May his memory guide us in our quest for a more just and equitable world.

On behalf of NCCI

Rev. Dr. Abraham Mathew
Executive Secretary, Commission on Policy Governance & Public Witness

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Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam – A Tribute

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) acknowledges with deep respects the life and ministry of the Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam, the Father Bishop of the Evangelical Church in India (ECI) – the pioneer missionary and founder of the ECI.

The NCCI Community, and it’s leadership, expresses it’s deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the members of the family and to the members of the churches of the ECI spread throughout the length and breadth of this country and beyond it’s borders. May the spirit and legacy of the rich heritage of the ECI be sustained in you and your ministries of christian faith, and in the spiritual memory of your Father Bishop.

Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam is a committed Christian, who fashioned himself after the manner of our Master – Jesus the Christ. His commitment to preaching the gospel and making disciples “from every language and every tribe” is known to one and all. His commitment to the upliftment of the masses is noteworthy; his commitment to social justice and his call to political witness individually and severally was always seen to be born out of his deep rooted commitment to the Gospel. We thank God for his tenure as the Chair of the TN State Minority Commission. I must record with deep appreciation his role, along with several others, in the repealing of the TN Prohibition of forcible conversion Act – the only such Act to be repealed in the whole country. But for his influence in the Government of the time and the leadership of the Churches in Tamilnadu of that time represented by Bishop Dr. V. Devasahayam and Archbishop Peter Fernando we could not have done it.

Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam’s life is a witness to the faith of the measure of the mustard seed, and to power of responding to the call of God in deep obedience. It grows as a tree in which the birds of the air could nest, and the weary could rest in its abiding shade. He was an evangelist at heart, an enabler in attitude and an empowering agent – the ECI is a standing witness to who he was and what he believed; it can be said of him that he built the church of God and not a kingdom of his own.

Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam was a master planner. What ever he did, he did in scale. His ability for mass mobilisation is a gift from God and an expression of his faith. We note with humility that he pointed them all to God and not to himself.

His abilities to network with people in-country and across borders has been the hallmark of his sharing. He was a Christian who was a friend to peoples of all faiths and ideologies respecting their religious faith and ideological persuasions.

The NCCI Community, of which the ECI is one of the latest members, extends its solidarity and prayers to the members of the family, the leadership of the Church, and to every believer in the Church. May the God who built you up continue to journey with you, may the centrality of the Christian faith in which you are being built up sustain you, and may the in-dwelling spirit of God that unites us continue to propel you and us in the faith and witness of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ, as you are surrounded by witness of all those who have gone ahead of us – even your Father Bishop, Bishop Dr. Ezra Sargunam. Blessed be his memory, and sacred to the witness of Jesus the Christ.

All Glory and Honour be to our God for ever and ever, Amen.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCC India

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Rev. Dr. Enos Dass Pradhan – A Tribute

The National Council of Churches in India receives the news of the demise of Mr. Enos Das Pradan with deep sadness. He served as the Treasurer of the Church of North India Synod first, and then as its General Secretary. He served in various capacities including as the Office bearer of the Eastern Himalayas diocese for a long time.

During this time Mr. Pradhan gave good leadership to the Church of North India Synod as well the different dioceses of the CNI. He was a tall leader to whom the leaders of the Church looked up for direction and guidance.

Dr. Enos Das Pradhan has served as the Trustee of the CWM and the Deputy Moderator of the CWM Assembly. He gave leadership to the Communion of Churches in India as it’s Executive Secretary, as well as to the National Council of Churches in India as the Chairperson on the NCCI Commission for Policy Governance and Public Witness. During this time the NCCI started it’s Delhi operations again from the CNI Bhavan at Pandit Pant Marg, New Delhi.

We offer our deepest and heartfelt condolence to the family and assure them out ardent prayers

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCC India

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Dr Agnes Aboum – The Epitome of Faithfulness

National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses its deep sorrow at the demise of Dr Agnes Aboum (73), the former moderator of the central committee of World Council of Churches (WCC). As the first woman and the first African to serve as moderator of WCC central committee, she proved her staunch leadership in handling the most difficult of issues with grace. Her role in enhancing women’s leadership, especially in the Church worldwide, is noteworthy.

Her passion for social justice led her down the path of activism, especially during her college days at the University of Nairobi. Her active involvement in politics forced her to leave Kenya for Sweden and she continued her studies over there. After returning to Kenya, she continued her involvement in politics and was imprisoned for opposing President Daniel Arap Moi, the longest serving president of Kenya.

She was part of the ecumenical movement worldwide for years and was honoured on multiple occasions for her faithful and committed leadership by numerous organisations, including church bodies. Her zeal for gender justice and peace-making will be remembered for ever.

On behalf of the leadership of National Council of Churches, I, pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased in the dwellings of the righteous, and comfort to those who mourn her loss.

 

Rev Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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A Tribute to the man of God who walked the talk: Rev. Dr. P B M Basaiawmoit

We are saddened to know of the sudden demise of the Rev. Dr. P. B. M. Basaiawmoit, a senior leader of the Presbyterian Church in India, a fiery social activist and a committed ecumenist, who was called to glory in the early hours of Wednesday the 9th February 2022.

Rev. Dr. Basaiawmoit led from the front in the Churches’ involvement in the issues that affect the common people. He was the leader of the Church who gave leadership in many community groups and social action networks. He was a leader who spoke his heart and did not fear anyone in the hierarchy. Rev. Dr. Basaiawmoit was an eloquent speaker, a good preacher and a practical theologian. His sermons address practical Christian witness.

He served as the Chairperson of the NCCI Commission on Life during the quadrennial (2004 – 2008) and as the Vice President of the National Council of Churches in India from 2008 to 2012; during the latter period he was also the Chairperson of the Personnel committee of the NCCI. During these times he played a major role in making the ministries of the NCCI relevant to the issues in North East India and to the contemporary socio-political challenges facing the country. He was a pillar of strength to the Secretariat and the leadership when the NCCI faced an organisational crises in the years 2009 and 2010.

We acknowledge the contribution of this man of God in the different local, national and global movements relating to environment, human rights, mining, migration, plight of the refugees, anti-conversion laws and such other issues.

We join the family and the church, especially all those who were mentored by him, in thanking God for the gift of Rev. Dr. PBM Basaiawmoit to the world and the ecumenical movement particularly in India. We offer our prayers and deep condolences to each member of the family. May God’s peace that surpasses all understanding remain with them today and always.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary NCCI
10th February 2022

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