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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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NCCI remembers His Holiness Basileos Marthoma Paulose II

The National Council of Churches in India is saddened to receive the news of the demise of H H Basileos Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the East, Malankara Metropolitan, Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church who has entered eternal rest on Monday the 12th July 2021. May his memory be eternal and blessed.

We remember with gratitude to God the ministries of His Holiness within the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, in the global orthodox communion and in the Indian and global ecumenical settings. We thank God for the spiritual leadership that His Holiness has given to the Church and in particular to the Episcopal synod and the clergy of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

The leadership of the National Council of Churches in India has fond memories of being warmly received by His Holiness during the many visits to the Catholicate Palace  in Kerala. His Holiness’ visits to the St. Thomas Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kalmeshwar, Nagpur, were always occasions for close interactions on issues relating to the Church and ecumenism. His Holiness’ visits to the NCCI headquarters have been joyous occasions of warmth and friendship.

The warmth and friendliness, and the smile on his face that puts one at ease, endeared His Holiness to one and all. Despite the important and venerable position he was bestowed with, His Holiness was accessible on all matters of ecumenical interests and was keen to dialogue on matters that were of concern.

The Most Reverend Dr.  P C Singh, President of the National Council of Churches in India has conveyed his deep sympathies and condolences at the death of His Holiness. He said, “The death of His Holiness Basileos Marthoma Paulose II, Catholicos of the East, Malankara Metropolitan, is a great loss to the Malankara Orhodox Syrian Church and to the NCCI family. We pray to God to give peace and solace to the members of the Episcopal synod, the clergy and the members of the church at this time of grief and mourning”.

We pray to God Almighty to bestow the Church with wisdom and guidance at this time of mourning to remember with gratitude the life of blessedness of His Holiness, and rededicate oneself individually and together as the Body of Christ, to a life of faithful obedience and relevant witness to our common Lord and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI
13th July 2021

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Rev. Dr. Santanu Kumar Patro – a tribute

The untimely demise of Rev Dr Santanu Kumar Patro, the Registrar of the Senate of Serampore College has cast a gloom over the minds of several of his associates and friends in the country and in the world. As an administrator and an ecumenical leader, Dr Patro has been a close friend of the NCCI and its network churches and their theological colleges for so many years, walking together on many contemporary issues that the NCCI network has involved, particularly during the last decade.

Born on October 20, 1960 in Berhampur, Odisha, he was ordained as a Presbyter of CNI Cuttack Diocese. Besides the Church of North India, his services included the World Vision India, as a Faculty at Eastern Theological College, Jorhat and Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai and as Registrar of the Senate of Serampore College from 2013-2021. His area of specialization was in the field of Religion and was a renowned scholar in religious studies, writing many articles and guiding many students. His scholarly articles on various subjects related to mission, ministry, theological education, religious studies, interfaith relations, ecumenism, etc were published in many reputed journals.

He was a visionary who always aimed for achieving great things for God. He worked tirelessly to take theological education to the higher levels which will in turn be a lasting contribution to churches in India and the Global South. His dream to provide quality theological education was seen during his service at the Senate of Serampore College. He had a special concern for the marginalized, through his teaching and service, whereby he was a true friend of the marginalized sections of our society. He envisioned an effective theological education that takes seriously the sufferings of the people as the basis of theologizing. As the Registrar of the Senate, we have seen some path breaking initiatives being taken, along with the NCCI in the areas of HIV and AIDS and thereafter in the area of gender and sexuality. A new syllabus in these sensitive areas of HIV and AIDS and then Human Sexuality was implemented at the Senate through his initiatives.

Being an ecumenist, Dr. Patro upheld the spirit of ecumenism in his writings and was one of his qualities which stood out during his ministry, particularly during his services at the Senate of Serampore College, which is a conglomeration of different colleges belonging to churches of various denominations. He understood the need for ecumenism in theological education and took serious efforts to develop it by embracing leaders of different churches with the utmost respect. In our long standing relationship with Dr Patro, the NCCI member churches and its affiliated theological colleges had a close relationship with him, promoting ecumenical values and challenging them towards key issues. As NCCI, we have indeed lost a true friend in Dr Patro, which we recognize as an irreparable loss for the ecumenical fraternity in India.

At this time of grief and loss, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife and children and share in solidarity in bidding a tearful adieu to Rev Dr Santanu Kumar Patro. May our resurrected Lord give strength to the family and may his life be an inspiration to all of us in the times ahead.

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

 

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Rev. Prof. Dr. Thathapudi Matthews Emmanuel – a Tribute

The National Council of Churches in India mourns the untimely death of Rev. Prof. Dr. Thathapudi Matthews Emmanuel, Secretary, Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College (BTESSC), who was called to glory on Saturday, the 24th April 2021 in Bangalore.

Rev. Dr. Thathapudi, was an ordained minister of the Canadian Baptist Mission (CBM) Church in Andhra Pradesh belonging to the Convention of Baptist Churches in Northern Circars (CBCNC). He was a distinguished Professor of Old Testament at Andhra Christian Theological College in Hyderabad, where he also served as its Principal for three years from 2014 to 2017. After completing his schooling in Kakinada, Dr. Thathapudi earned his degree of Bachelor in Theology from Andhra Christian Theological College, Hyderabad and Bachelor of Divinity from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune. He earned his Master in Theology degree from Federated Faculty for Research in Religion and Culture, Kottayam and a Doctorate through the South Asia Theological Research Institute, Bangalore.

He was committed to theological education and motivated several young scholars to excel in the field. His stint as the Secretary of the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College saw an active interaction between the church and the theological fraternity. Dr. Thathapudi made meaningful contribution as the member of the General Body of NCCI. He was always keen to facilitate healing among different factions in churches and ecumenical councils. His untimely demise leaves a vacuum within the theological fraternity and in the ecumenical movement in India.

While we mourn with the bereaved and pray for comfort and peace to the family, we also celebrate his prophetic witness and passion for the rights and dignity of the dalit community in India and the most backward among them.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary

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Rev. Yesunath Kalekar – A humble and committed servant of God

The National Council for Churches in India was shocked to hear of the news of the sudden and untimely demise of Rev Yesunath D. Kalekar, the Vice Moderator of Hindustani Covenant Church. He represented the HCC faithfully in the Executive committee of  the NCCI. The leadership and the secretariat along with all those in the NCCI who were closely associated with him expresses its deepest condolences to the family, Hindustani Covenant Church and to all those who are in bereavement.

Rev Y Kalekar left for his eternal abode on 18th March, 2021 at the age of 62 years.  He was a respected person among all those he interacted with, especially due to his humility and openness. He had a compassionate heart which showed through his work in the Covenant Social Service, a community development wing of the Hindustani Covenant Church.

His ecumenical spirit had been vivid through his participation in the affairs of the NCCI. His 35 years of service in the church brought drastic changes in the church and the society at large, especially in the lives of common masses. He will always be remembered for his efforts in instilling the messianic values into young minds.

The vision of Paul as he expressed in 1 Corinthians 15: 42-44, “So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable.  It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body; it is raised a spiritual body”, is a source of comfort and hope.

May God’s blessings of peace and comfort be upon his wife Sulochana and sons, Augustine and Arnold. May God strengthen them and grant them peace.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom – a legend in our times

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) expresses its deepest condolences at the passing away of Most Rev Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Valiya Metropolitan, the Emeritus Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, on 5th May 2021 at the age of 104.

“As the senior most Bishop of the Christian community in India and a Bishop who inspired many through his thought-provoking theological insights coated with humour, he will ever be remembered by the church in India”; said the Most Rev Dr P. C. Singh, the President of NCCI and the Moderator of Church of North India.  Metropolitan will be remembered as a courageous prophetic ecumenist who envisioned ecumenism in relationships – relationship with peoples of different faiths and ideologies.

Born in Kerala in 1918, Mar Chrysostom began with community-oriented work in Ankola, Karnataka from 1940 to 1942 prior to his theological studies in the United Theological College, Bangalore. He was ordained as Deacon on 1st January 1944 and as a Presbyter on 3rd June. He was consecrated a Bishop on 23 May, 1953 and became the Metropolitan of the Church on 23rd October 1999. The Metropolitan voluntarily retired from administrative responsibilities on 1st October 2007.

The life and witness of the Metropolitan is a text book for those who are involved in the ministry of the Church and for everyone in the ecumenical fraternity. By being with people in their varying circumstances, sharing in their experiences and struggles, the Metropolitan celebrated life – transcending all the boundaries set by society. Thus, many research papers, books and documentaries have been published on his life. He was known for his sense of humour in communication through which he sought to communicate the philosophical perspective to life in lucid and plain terns. In this endeavour he went beyond religion to break sectarian outlook. His humorous speeches and talks have also been a favourite topic among many authors for their books.

The Metropolitan was an ardent advocate of ecumenism and he served different ecumenical bodies. He served National Christian Council (former name of National Council of Churches in India) as its president. He also gave leadership to Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) and Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) and the Kerala Council of Churches.  He represented the Mar Thoma Church as its official delegate in many assemblies of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and those of the Christian Conference of Asia. He was also one of the observers in the second Vatican Council.

NCCI thanks God for the life of Metropolitan Chrysostom and for his relentless effort to make the Gospel of Christ a living reality in the life of people.  The continuation of his legacy in advocating for justice, human rights and freedom will be a great challenge, but is an imperative part of the ongoing mission of bringing healing, joy and wholesome laughter to a divided world.

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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