History
The Church of South India is the result of the union of churches of
varying traditions Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian,
and Reformed. It was inaugurated in September 1947, after protracted
negotiation among the churches concerned. Organized into 22 dioceses,
each under the spiritual supervision of a bishop, the church as a whole
is governed by a synod, which elects a moderator (presiding bishop)
every 2 years. Episcopacy is thus combined with Synodical government,
and the church explicitly recognizes that Episcopal, Presbyterian, and
congregational elements are all necessary for the church's life. The
Scriptures are the ultimate standard of faith and practice. The historic
creeds are accepted as interpreting the biblical faith, and the
sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper are recognized as of binding
obligation.
Discussions concerning union had begun at a conference at Tranquebar
(now Tarangambadi) in 1919, and in 1947, after India attained
independence, the union was completed. The Church of South India has its
own service book and communion service, both of which draw from several
denominational sources. The union, especially in its reconciliation of
the Anglican doctrine of apostolic succession with the views of other
denominations, is often cited as a landmark in the ecumenical movement.
Formation
On 27th September 1947, the General council of Church of India,
Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, General Assembly of South India United
Church and South India Provincial Synod of Methodist Church joined
together to from the CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA as the largest united
national church in India. The continued growth has been further enriched
with the joining of the churches of Basel Mission and the Anglican
Diocese of Nandyal. A unique church was born out of the blending of the
Episcopal and non - Episcopal traditions as a gift of God to the people
of India and as a visible sign of the ecclesiastical unity for the
universal church.
Vision
The Church of South India (CSI) affirms that the purpose of
the union is to fulfill the priestly prayer of Jesus Christ, the Lord of
the Church "That they all may be one, and that the world may believe
that you have sent me". And the Church of South India would become an
effective instrument of God's mission so there will be greater peace,
closer fellowship and fuller life in the Church and a renewed commitment
for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and
deed.
Commitment Of The Chruch
Being the largest Protestant church in India, the CSI
celebrates her life with Indian culture and spirituality and she also
raises her voice for the voiceless on matters of justice, peace and
integrity of creation. Sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people
of India through proclamation of the good news of Jesus; responding to
human need through institutional and emergency relief work; through
community development projects and skill training programmes for the
marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the people and programmes for
the integrity of creation. Translating this vision and commitment, the
Synod of the Church of South India as the apex body of the church
endeavors to encourage, equip and empower her dioceses, congregations
and institutions through varied ministries.
The Journey Continues
The CSI is a united and uniting church moving forward with a
dynamic vision for The Communion of Churches in India. The Church of
South India, the Church of North India and the Mar Thoma Church are
already members of this commune of Churches and are venturing into wider
ecumenical relations to witness to One Lord Jesus Christ.
Dioces of Church of South India
