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{{Short description|Union Protestant churche in South India}}
{{Short description|United Protestant church in South India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
{{Infobox Christian denomination
|name = Church of South India |image = Church of South India.png
| name               = Church of South India
|caption = Logo of the Church of South India
| image             = Church of South India.png
|main_classification = [[Protestant]]
| caption           = Logo of the Church of South India
|orientation = [[United and uniting churches|United and uniting]]
| main_classification = [[Protestant]]
|polity = Mixed polity with [[episcopal polity|episcopal]], [[congregational polity|congregational]], and [[presbyterian polity|presbyterian]] elements<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.csisynod.com/history.php |publisher=Church of South India |access-date=22 August 2020 |language=en |year=2010 |quote=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.}}</ref><ref name="Watkins">{{cite book |last1=Watkins |first1=Keith |title=The American Church that Might Have Been: A History of the Consultation on Church Union |date=3 November 2014 |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |isbn=978-1-63087-744-6 |pages=14–15 |language=en |quote=The Church of South India created a polity that recognized Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational elements and developed a book of worship that bridged the liturgical traditions that came into this new church. It set up a plan by which existing ministries were accepted while including processes which would lead to the time, a generation later, when all ministers would have been ordained by bishops in apostolic succession. The Church of South India was important as a prototype for a new American church because two factors had come together: the cross-confessional nature of its constituent parts and the intention to be, in effect, the Protestant Christian presence in communities all across the southern territories of its nation.}}</ref>
| orientation       = [[United and uniting churches|United and uniting]]
|founder =
| polity             = Mixed polity with [[episcopal polity|episcopal]], [[congregational polity|congregational]], and [[presbyterian polity|presbyterian]] elements<ref>{{cite web |title=History |url=https://www.csisynod.com/history.php |publisher=Church of South India |access-date=22 August 2020 |language=en |year=2010 |quote=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 23 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. |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214005331/https://www.csisynod.com/history.php |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Watkins">{{cite book |last1=Watkins |first1=Keith |title=The American Church that Might Have Been: A History of the Consultation on Church Union |date=3 November 2014 |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |isbn=978-1-63087-744-6 |pages=14–15 |language=en |quote=The Church of South India created a polity that recognized Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational elements and developed a book of worship that bridged the liturgical traditions that came into this new church. It set up a plan by which existing ministries were accepted while including processes which would lead to the time, a generation later, when all ministers would have been ordained by bishops in apostolic succession. The Church of South India was important as a prototype for a new American church because two factors had come together: the cross-confessional nature of its constituent parts and the intention to be, in effect, the Protestant Christian presence in communities all across the southern territories of its nation.}}</ref>
|founded_date = 27 September 1947 (Day of Union, not date of establishment)
| founder           =  
|founded_place = [[Tranquebar]], Tamil Nadu (Presently Under the Pastorate of Karaikal - Tranquebar, Tiruchirappalli - Thanjavur Diocese)
| founded_date       = 27 September 1947 (Day of Union, not date of establishment)
|separated_from =  
| founded_place     = [[Tranquebar]], Tamil Nadu (Presently Under the Pastorate of Karaikal - Tranquebar, Tiruchirappalli - Thanjavur Diocese)
| leader_title       = Leader/Moderator
| separated_from     =  
| leader_name         = A. Dharmaraj Rasalam
| leader_title       = Moderator
| leader_title1       = Leader/Deputy Moderator
| leader_name       = The Most Rev. [[K. Reuben Mark]]
| leader_name1       = [[Reuben Mark|K. Reuben Mark]]
| leader_title1     = Deputy Moderator
|branched_from =  
| leader_name1       = The Rt. Rev. [[V. S. Francis]]
|merger = [[Church of India, Burma and Ceylon|Anglican Church]], the Methodist Church, South India United Church (which was a union in 1904 of the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches), Basel Mission Churches in South India<ref name="WMC2020"/>
| leader_title2      = General Secretary
|separations = [[Anglican Church of India]] (1964)<br/> [[Anglican Catholic Church]] (1984)
| leader_name2      = Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja
|fellowships = [[Christian Conference of Asia]],<br />[[National Council of Churches in India]],<br /> [[Communion of Churches in India]]
| leader_title3      = Hon. Treasurer
|associations = [[Anglican Communion]],<br />[[World Methodist Council]], [[World Council of Churches]],<br />[[World Communion of Reformed Churches]]
| leader_name3      = B. Vimal Sukumar
|area = [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]], [[Telangana]] and [[Sri Lanka]] (CSI churches in North India are under the respective CNI bishops. CSI churches in Europe are under the respective Anglican Bishops)
| branched_from     =  
|hospitals = 104<ref name="About CSI"/>
| merger             = [[Church of India, Burma and Ceylon]] (Anglican), the southern district of the [[Methodist Church]], South India United Church (which was a union in 1904 of the Continental Reformed, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches), Basel Mission Churches in South India<ref name="WMC2020"/>
|nursing_homes =
| separations       = [[Anglican Church of India]] (1964)<br/> [[Anglican Catholic Church]] (1984)
|aid =
| fellowships       = [[Christian Conference of Asia]],<br />[[National Council of Churches in India]],<br /> [[Communion of Churches in India]]
|congregations = 14,000<ref name="CWM Official website: CSI">{{cite web |last1=Team |first1=CWM Communications |title=Member Church Feature: Church of South India (CSI) |url=https://www.cwmission.org/member-church-feature-church-of-south-india-csi/ |website=Council for World Mission |date=7 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="About CSI"/>
| associations       = [[Anglican Communion]],<br />[[World Methodist Council]], [[World Council of Churches]],<br />[[World Communion of Reformed Churches]]
|members = 3,800,000<ref name="CWM Official website: CSI" /><ref name="About CSI"/><ref name="WCC-CSI"/>
| area               = [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]], [[Kerala]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]], [[Telangana]] and [[Sri Lanka]]
|ministers = 3,300<ref name="CWM Official website: CSI" />
| hospitals         = 104<ref name="About CSI"/>
|missionaries =
| nursing_homes     =  
|temples =
| aid               =  
|primary_schools =
| congregations     = 14,000<ref name="CWM Official website: CSI">{{cite web |last1=Team |first1=CWM Communications |title=Member Church Feature: Church of South India (CSI) |url=https://www.cwmission.org/member-church-feature-church-of-south-india-csi/ |website=Council for World Mission |date=7 March 2018 |access-date=13 October 2019 |archive-date=11 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411183110/https://www.cwmission.org/member-church-feature-church-of-south-india-csi/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="About CSI"/>
|secondary_schools = 2000 schools, 130 colleges<ref name="About CSI"/>
| members           = 4,500,000 - 5,000,000
|tertiary =
| ministers         = 3,300<ref name="CWM Official website: CSI" />
|footnotes =
| missionaries       =  
|abbreviation=CSI
| temples           =  
| primary_schools   =  
| secondary_schools = 2000 schools, 130 colleges<ref name="About CSI"/>
| tertiary           =  
| footnotes         =  
| abbreviation       = CSI
| website            = {{URL|https://www.csi1947.com/}}
}}
}}
{{Christianity in India sidebar}}
{{Christianity in India sidebar}}
The '''Church of South India''' ('''CSI''') is a [[united and uniting churches|united Protestant Church]], being the second-largest [[Christianity|Christian]] church in [[India]] based on the number of members; it is the result of union of a number of Protestant [[Christian denomination|churches]] in [[South India]].<ref name="WMC2020"/><ref>Author:Sushil Mittal, Gene Thursby -Religions of South Asia: An Introduction</ref>
The '''Church of South India''' ('''CSI''') is a [[united and uniting churches|united Protestant Church]] in [[India]]. It is the result of union of a number of [[Christian denomination|Protestant denominations]] in [[South India]] that occurred after the independence of India.<ref name="WMC2020"/><ref>Author:Sushil Mittal, Gene Thursby -Religions of South Asia: An Introduction</ref> With a membership of over 4.5 million - 5 million,<ref>{{Cite web |title=CSI Holy Trinity Church, Albany, NY - Church of South India |url=https://www.csialbany.org/about/church-of-south-india |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=www.csialbany.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CSI Malabar Diocese |url=https://csidioceseofmalabar.com/History |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=csidioceseofmalabar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=CWM Communications |date=2022-10-11 |title=Church of South India celebrates 75th anniversary, calls for an end to discrimination against the casteless - Council for World Mission |url=https://www.cwmission.org/church-of-south-india-celebrates-75th-anniversary-calls-for-an-end-to-discrimination/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |language=en-US |archive-date=19 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250519061033/https://www.cwmission.org/church-of-south-india-celebrates-75th-anniversary-calls-for-an-end-to-discrimination/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Church |url=https://www.allsaintscsi.org/the-church |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=allsaintscsi |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Conger |first=George |date=2016-10-31 |title=Church of South India facing a constitutional crisis |url=https://anglican.ink/2016/10/30/church-of-south-india-facing-a-constitutional-crisis/ |access-date=2025-12-23 |website=Anglican Ink © 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> it is the second-largest [[Christianity|Christian]] church based on the number of members in India.


The Church of South India is the successor of a number of Protestant denominations in India, including the [[Church of England]], [[Church of India, Burma and Ceylon]] ([[Anglican]]), the [[United Church of Christ]] ([[Congregationalist]]), the [[British Methodist Church]] and the [[Church of Scotland]] after [[Partition of India|Indian Independence]]. It combined the South India United Church (union of the British [[Congregationalists]] and the British [[Presbyterian]]s); the then 14 Anglican Dioceses of South India and one in Sri Lanka; and the South Indian District of the [[Methodist church]].<ref name="oikoumene.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/church-of-south-india |title=oikoumene.org|publisher=Oikoumene.org |access-date=2014-08-15}}</ref> With a membership of nearly four million,<ref name="CWM Official website: CSI" /><ref name="About CSI"/> CSI is one of four [[united and uniting churches|united Protestant churches]] in the [[Anglican Communion]], the others being the [[Church of North India]], the [[Church of Pakistan]] and the [[Church of Bangladesh]]; it also is a member of the [[World Methodist Council]] and [[World Communion of Reformed Churches]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/structures/member-churches/member-church.aspx?church=north-india|title=The Church of North India (United)|publisher=Anglican Communion Office|access-date=17 September 2018|quote=Along with the Church of South India, the Church of Pakistan, and the Church of Bangladesh, it [the Church of a North India] is one of the four United Churches.}}</ref><ref name="WMC2020">{{cite web |title=Church of South India |url=https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/member-churches/name/india-church-of-south-india-bangalore-episcopal-area/ |publisher=[[World Methodist Council]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |language=en|quote=The Church of South India is a United Church that came into existence on 27th September 1947. The churches that came into the union were the Anglican Church, the Methodist Church, and the South India United Church (which was a union in 1904 of the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches). Later the Basel Mission Churches in South India also joined the Union. The Church of South India is the first example in church history of the union of Episcopal and non-Episcopal churches, and is thus one of the early pioneers of the ecumenical movement. ... The CSI strives to maintain fellowship with all those branches of the church which the uniting churches enjoyed fellowship before the union. We are members of the World Methodist Council, the Anglican Consultative Council, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Council for World Mission, and the Association of Missions and Churches in South West Germany.}}</ref>
The Church of South India is the successor of a number of Protestant denominations in India, including the four southern dioceses of the [[Church of India, Burma and Ceylon]] ([[Anglican]]), the South India United Church ([[Congregationalist]], [[Presbyterian]] and [[Continental Reformed]]), and the southern district of the [[Methodist Church]].<ref name="Shelley2013">{{cite book |last1=Shelley |first1=Bruce |title=Church History in Plain Language: Fourth Edition |date=10 December 2013 |publisher=Zondervan Academic |isbn=978-1-4016-7685-8 |language=en |quote=Outside the United States the most significant merger was the Church of South India, formed in 1947 through the union of three religious bodies: the Anglican Church of India, Burma and Ceylon; the South India Province of the Methodist Church; and the South India United Church, itself the result of a movement that brought Presbyterian, Congregational, and Dutch Reformed bodies into the union.}}</ref><ref name="oikoumene.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/church-of-south-india |title=oikoumene.org|date=January 1948 |publisher=Oikoumene.org |access-date=2014-08-15}}</ref>


The inspiration for the Church of South India was born from [[ecumenism]] and inspired by the words of [[Jesus Christ]] as recorded in the [[Gospel of John]] ([[John 17:21|17.21]]). Just like the [[United Church of Christ]] ([[Congregationalist]]), one of their forebearer denominations, their motto is:
The Church of South India is a member of the [[Anglican Communion]], [[World Methodist Council]] and [[World Communion of Reformed Churches]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/structures/member-churches/member-church.aspx?church=north-india|title=The Church of North India (United)|publisher=Anglican Communion Office|access-date=17 September 2018|quote=Along with the Church of South India, the Church of Pakistan, and the Church of Bangladesh, it [the Church of a North India] is one of the four United Churches.}}</ref><ref name="WMC2020">{{cite web |title=Church of South India |date=9 November 2019 |url=https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/member-churches/name/india-church-of-south-india-bangalore-episcopal-area/ |publisher=[[World Methodist Council]] |access-date=25 June 2020 |language=en|quote=The Church of South India is a United Church that came into existence on 27 September 1947. The churches that came into the union were the Anglican Church, the Methodist Church, and the South India United Church (a union in 1904 of the Presbyterian and Congregational churches). Later the Basel Mission Churches in South India also joined the Union. The Church of South India is the first example in church history of the union of Episcopal and non-Episcopal churches, and is thus one of the early pioneers of the ecumenical movement. The CSI strives to maintain fellowship with all those branches of the church which the uniting churches enjoyed before the union. It is a member of the World Methodist Council, the Anglican Consultative Council, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Council for World Mission, and the Association of Missions and Churches in South West Germany.}}</ref> It is one of four [[united and uniting churches|united Protestant churches]] in the Anglican Communion, World Methodist Council and World Communion of Reformed Churches, with the others being the [[Church of North India]], the [[Church of Pakistan]], and the [[Church of Bangladesh]].


{{Quote|That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.'}}
Being a United Protestant denomination, the inspiration for the Church of South India came from [[ecumenism]] and the words of [[Jesus]] as recorded in the [[Gospel of John]] ([[John 17:21|17.21]]); as such "That they all may be one" is the motto of the Church of South India.<ref name="About CSI">{{cite web |url= http://www.csimichigan.org/ChurchofSouthIndia.html |title= Church of South India International Resource Center |website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan |access-date=11 January 2013 |year=2007}}</ref>
 
"That they all may be one" is also the motto of the Church of South India.<ref name="About CSI">{{cite web |url= http://www.csimichigan.org/ChurchofSouthIndia.html |title= Church of South India International Resource Center |website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan |access-date=11 January 2013 |year=2007}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


===Origins===
===Origins===
Four different church traditions were brought together in the CSI; Anglican (Episcopal), Congregational, Presbyterian and Methodist. All these churches had been established in India through the missionary work of churches in Europe, America and Australia, which had started their work in India at different periods from the beginning of the 18th century.
Four different church traditions were brought together in the CSI: Anglican, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Methodist. All these churches had been established in India through the missionary work of churches in Europe, America, and Australia, which had started their work in India at different periods from the beginning of the 18th century.


The Church of South India Scheme was the first practical attempt of its kind towards a union, on the basis of the following points enunciated in the [[Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral]]:
The Church of South India Scheme was the first practical attempt of its kind toward a union, on the basis of the following points enunciated in the [[Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral]]:
* The Holy Scripture of the Old and the New Testaments as containing all things necessary to salvation and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith.
* The Holy Scripture of the Old and the New Testaments as containing all things necessary to salvation and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith.
* The Apostles' Creed as the Baptismal Symbol and the Nicene Creed as sufficient statement of the Christian faith.
* The Apostles' Creed as the Baptismal Symbol and the Nicene Creed as sufficient statement of the Christian faith.
Line 60: Line 64:
The first three points could be accepted without any controversial question. But the fourth became contentious, as the Anglican Church maintained [[episcopal polity]] within the [[historical episcopate]] and believed that all its bishops and priests could trace an unbroken line of succession from [[Saint Peter|St. Peter]]; whereas the rest of the churches in the negotiations conformed to other [[Ecclesiastical polity|ecclesiastical polities]] and did not subscribe to the Anglican views on [[apostolic succession]]. After extensive dialogues, an agreement was reached that all who were already ordained in any of the uniting churches would be received as ministers in the united Church; provided all new [[Holy orders|ordinations]] after the union, would be conferred by [[Episcopal polity|episcopally ordained]] bishops of the united Church, with the imposition of hands. The intention was to introduce an episcopate in historic succession [[Historic episcopate (Anglican views)|(from Anglicanism)]] into the new united Church and to ensure its maintenance in the future, by keeping all subsequent ordinations episcopal.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Lausanne, Lambeth and South India, by N.P. Williams (1930) |website=Anglicanhistory.org |url=http://anglicanhistory.org/india/lausanne1930.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Some Comments on the South India Scheme |website=Anglicanhistory.org |url=http://anglicanhistory.org/india/fhood.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100520169|title=Church of South India|website=Oxford Reference}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Lambeth Conference and the Union of Churches in South India. -- |url=https://biblehub.com/library/schaff/the_creeds_of_the_evangelical_protestant_churches/iii_the_lambeth_conference_and.htm |website=biblehub.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Church of South India Contributes to Anglican Communion |url=https://www.anglicannews.org/news/1999/09/church-of-south-india-contributes-to-anglican-communion.aspx |website=anglicannews.org |language=en-gb}}</ref>
The first three points could be accepted without any controversial question. But the fourth became contentious, as the Anglican Church maintained [[episcopal polity]] within the [[historical episcopate]] and believed that all its bishops and priests could trace an unbroken line of succession from [[Saint Peter|St. Peter]]; whereas the rest of the churches in the negotiations conformed to other [[Ecclesiastical polity|ecclesiastical polities]] and did not subscribe to the Anglican views on [[apostolic succession]]. After extensive dialogues, an agreement was reached that all who were already ordained in any of the uniting churches would be received as ministers in the united Church; provided all new [[Holy orders|ordinations]] after the union, would be conferred by [[Episcopal polity|episcopally ordained]] bishops of the united Church, with the imposition of hands. The intention was to introduce an episcopate in historic succession [[Historic episcopate (Anglican views)|(from Anglicanism)]] into the new united Church and to ensure its maintenance in the future, by keeping all subsequent ordinations episcopal.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Lausanne, Lambeth and South India, by N.P. Williams (1930) |website=Anglicanhistory.org |url=http://anglicanhistory.org/india/lausanne1930.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Some Comments on the South India Scheme |website=Anglicanhistory.org |url=http://anglicanhistory.org/india/fhood.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100520169|title=Church of South India|website=Oxford Reference}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Lambeth Conference and the Union of Churches in South India. -- |url=https://biblehub.com/library/schaff/the_creeds_of_the_evangelical_protestant_churches/iii_the_lambeth_conference_and.htm |website=biblehub.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Church of South India Contributes to Anglican Communion |url=https://www.anglicannews.org/news/1999/09/church-of-south-india-contributes-to-anglican-communion.aspx |website=anglicannews.org |language=en-gb}}</ref>


The Church of South India as it exists today came into being with the perseverance and committed efforts of Rev. Vedam Santiago, who for a long period of time took leadership of the SIUC, the South Indian United Churches, which later, with the joint efforts of Rev. V Santiago and Bishop Azariah became the Church of South India.
The Church of South India as it exists today came into being with the perseverance and committed efforts of Rev. Vedam Santiago,{{Citation needed|reason=No visible citation; |date=September 2021}} who for a long period of time took leadership of the SIUC, the South Indian United Churches, which later, with the joint efforts of Rev. V Santiago{{Citation needed|reason=No visible citation; |date=September 2021}} and Bishop Azariah became the Church of South India.


=== Formation ===
=== Formation ===
The Church of South India union ceremony happened at [[St. George's Cathedral Chennai|St George's Cathedral in Madras]] on 27 September 1947, a month after India achieved its independence from the [[United Kingdom]]. It was formed from the union of the SIUC, (South India United Church itself a union of churches from the [[Congregational church|Congregational]] [[Presbyterian]] and [[Reformed church|Reformed]] traditions); the southern provinces of the (Anglican) [[Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon]]; and the Methodist Church of South India.<ref name="anglicancommunion.org">{{cite web |url= http://www.anglicancommunion.org/tour/province.cfm?ID=S3 |title= Anglican Communion official website – The Church of South India (United) |access-date=2008-06-21 }}</ref> The inaugural service was presided by Bishop Rt. Rev. [[Cherakarottu Korula Jacob|C. K. Jacob]], of the [[Anglican Bishop of Travancore and Cochin|Anglican diocese of Travancore and Cochin]].<ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration">{{cite journal |title=The Order of Service for the Inauguration of Church Union in South India (1947) |website=Anglicanhistory.org |url=http://anglicanhistory.org/india/inauguration1947.html}}</ref> As part of it, nine new bishops, drawn from all the traditions, were consecrated to serve with five Anglican bishops already in the office.<ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration" /> Each new bishop was ordained with the imposition of hands by the presiding bishop, along with two more Anglican bishops (Rt. Rev. A. M. Hollis and Rt. Rev. G. T. Selwynthe) and six presbyters from the uniting Churches, also laying hands.<ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration" /> This reconciliation of the Anglican views with those of the other uniting denominations, on the doctrine of [[apostolic succession]], realized in the formation of the Church of South India, is often cited as a landmark in the ecumenical movement.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://library.columbia.edu/content/dam/libraryweb/locations/burke/fa/mrl/ldpd_4492556.pdf|title='A Church Is Born' Records, 1947 – 1948 Church of South India Inauguration|via=The Burke Library Archives}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=The Church of South India and Reunion in England |journal=Biblicalstudies.org.uk |url=https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/churchman/082-04_249.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=The Historic Episcopate in the Light of South Indian Experience |website=Churchsociety.org |url=http://churchsociety.org/docs/churchman/080/Cman_080_2_Paul.pdf}}</ref><ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration" />
The Church of South India union ceremony happened at [[St. George's Cathedral Chennai|St George's Cathedral in Madras]] on 27 September 1947, a month after India achieved its independence from the [[United Kingdom]]. It was formed from the union of the SIUC, (South India United Church itself a union of churches from the [[Congregational church|Congregational]], [[Presbyterian]] and [[Reformed church|Reformed]] traditions); the southern provinces of the (Anglican) [[Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon]]; and the Methodist Church of South India.<ref name="anglicancommunion.org">{{cite web |url= http://www.anglicancommunion.org/tour/province.cfm?ID=S3 |title= Anglican Communion official website – The Church of South India (United) |access-date=2008-06-21 }}</ref> The inaugural service was presided by Bishop Rt. Rev. [[Cherakarottu Korula Jacob|C. K. Jacob]], of the [[Anglican Bishop of Travancore and Cochin|Anglican diocese of Travancore and Cochin]].<ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration">{{cite journal |title=The Order of Service for the Inauguration of Church Union in South India (1947) |website=Anglicanhistory.org |url=http://anglicanhistory.org/india/inauguration1947.html}}</ref> As part of it, nine new bishops, drawn from all the traditions, were consecrated to serve with five Anglican bishops already in the office.<ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration" /> Each new bishop was ordained with the imposition of hands by the presiding bishop, along with two more Anglican bishops (Rt. Rev. [[Michael Hollis]] and Rt. Rev. [[George Selwyn (bishop of Tinnevelly)|George Selwyn]]) and six presbyters from the uniting Churches, also laying hands.<ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration" /> This reconciliation of the Anglican views with those of the other uniting denominations, on the doctrine of [[apostolic succession]], realized in the formation of the Church of South India, is often cited as a landmark in the ecumenical movement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://library.columbia.edu/content/dam/libraryweb/locations/burke/fa/mrl/ldpd_4492556.pdf|title='A Church Is Born' Records, 1947 – 1948 Church of South India Inauguration|via=The Burke Library Archives}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=The Church of South India and Reunion in England |journal=Biblicalstudies.org.uk |url=https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/churchman/082-04_249.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=The Historic Episcopate in the Light of South Indian Experience |website=Churchsociety.org |url=http://churchsociety.org/docs/churchman/080/Cman_080_2_Paul.pdf |access-date=16 January 2019 |archive-date=24 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924060518/https://churchsociety.org/docs/churchman/080/Cman_080_2_Paul.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="anglican history 1947 inauguration" />
 


[[File:Church of South India formation service.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Rt. Rev. C. K. Jacob presiding over the Church of South India inaugural service]]


[[File:George'sCathedral.jpg|thumb|right|300px|St George's Cathedral]]
[[File:George'sCathedral.jpg|thumb|right|300px|St George's Cathedral]]


==Logo==
==Logo==
The [[logo]] of the Church of South India consists of a [[Christian cross|Cross]] superimposed on a stylized [[Nelumbo nucifera|Lotus flower]] in a white backdrop; around which the motto and name of the Church, is embossed.<ref name="CSI SYNOD">{{cite web |title=CSI SYNOD |url=https://csisynod.com/csi-synod-logo.php |website=csisynod.com}}</ref> It was designed by Prof. J. Vasanthan of the [[American College, Madurai]].
The [[logo]] of the Church of South India consists of a [[Christian cross|Cross]] superimposed on a stylized [[Nelumbo nucifera|Lotus flower]] depicting split tongue for [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]] in a white backdrop; around which the motto and name of the Church, is embossed.<ref name="CSI SYNOD">{{cite web |title=CSI SYNOD |url=https://csisynod.com/csi-synod-logo.php |website=csisynod.com |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=8 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208221349/https://www.csisynod.com/csi-synod-logo.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was designed by J. Vasanthan of the [[American College, Madurai]].


The imposing central position of the Cross denotes the foundation of the Church and its faith, while its four arms of the same length promulgates equality. The [[Padma (attribute)|Lotus flower]], called Pankaj meaning "mud-born" in [[Sanskrit]], has been of great spiritual and symbolic significance in India, since ancient times.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Lotus Flower |url=http://www.hinduismfacts.org/hindu-symbols/the-lotus-flower/ |website=Facts about Hindu Religion |date=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lotus Flower, Hindu Sacred Flower, Lotus Flower Symbolism |url=https://www.lotussculpture.com/my_articles_lotus.html |website=lotussculpture.com}}</ref> Its placement in the Logo, proclaims the indigenous nature of the Church of South India and its dependence on the grace of God, just as a Lotus that blooms at sunrise and closes at sunset, depends on the [[Sun]]. The stylized rendering, makes the Lotus petals simultaneously depict the fiery split tongues of the [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]]. The motto of the CSI embossed on the logo, which is an excerpt of [[Jesus]]'s prayer in John 17:21, is used as an inclusive affirmation of the need for the unity of all people.<ref>{{cite web |title=CSI Logo |url=https://www.melbournecsichurch.org.au/her/logo/ |website=Melbourne CSI Church}}</ref><ref name="CSI SYNOD"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Church of South India |url=http://csiseafordchurch.org/home/history |website=csiseafordchurch.org}}</ref>
The imposing central position of the Cross denotes the foundation of the Church and its faith, while its four arms of the same length promulgates equality. The [[Padma (attribute)|Lotus flower]], called Pankaj meaning "mud-born" in [[Sanskrit]], has been of great spiritual and symbolic significance in India, since ancient times.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Lotus Flower |url=http://www.hinduismfacts.org/hindu-symbols/the-lotus-flower/ |website=Facts about Hindu Religion |date=2 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lotus Flower, Hindu Sacred Flower, Lotus Flower Symbolism |url=https://www.lotussculpture.com/my_articles_lotus.html |website=lotussculpture.com}}</ref> Its placement in the Logo, proclaims the indigenous nature of the Church of South India and its dependence on the grace of God, just as a Lotus that blooms at sunrise and closes at sunset, depends on the [[Sun]]. The stylized rendering, makes the Lotus petals simultaneously depict the fiery split tongues of the [[Holy Spirit in Christianity|Holy Spirit]]. The motto of the CSI embossed on the logo, which is an excerpt of [[Jesus]]'s prayer in John 17:21, is used as an inclusive affirmation of the need for the unity of all people.<ref>{{cite web |title=CSI Logo |url=https://www.melbournecsichurch.org.au/her/logo/ |website=Melbourne CSI Church |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417203928/https://www.melbournecsichurch.org.au/her/logo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="CSI SYNOD"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Church of South India |url=http://csiseafordchurch.org/home/history |website=csiseafordchurch.org|date=4 March 2021 }}</ref>


==Beliefs and practices==
==Beliefs and practices==
The Church of South India is a [[Trinitarian]] Church that draws from the traditions and heritage of its constituent denominations. The Church accepts the [[Chalcedonian Christianity|Chalcedonian Chistological Definition]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bindley |first1=T. Herbert (Thomas Herbert) |title=The oecumenical documents of the faith [microform]. The creed of Nicaea. Three epistles of Cyril. The tome of Leo. The Chalcedonian definition |url=https://archive.org/details/MN41552ucmf_1/page/n241 |publisher=London : Methuen & Co. |year=1899}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chalcedonian Definition |url=https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/chalcedonian-definition |website=Episcopal Church |language=en |date=22 May 2012}}</ref> as well as the [[Apostles' Creed]] and the [[Nicene Creed]]. Both creeds are included in the Church liturgy as the profession of [[faith]].<ref name="Beliefs and Practices">{{cite web |title=Beliefs and Practices |url=http://redeemercsichurch.org/beliefs-practices.php |website=redeemercsichurch.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/FIRST%20ORDER%20FOR%20MORNING%20AND%20EVENING%20WORSHIP.pdf|title=CSI Order of Service|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref> The Church practices [[infant baptism]] for children born in Christian homes and adult or [[believer's baptism]] for others. Baptized children are members of the church and share in the privileges and obligations of membership so far as they are capable of doing so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/HOLY%20BAPTISM%20OF%20INFANTS.pdf|title=Holy Baptism of Infants (CSI)|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/HOLY%20BAPTISM%20OF%20ADULTS.pdf|title=Holy Baptism of Persons Able to Answer for Themselves (CSI)|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref>
The Church of South India is a [[Trinitarian]] Church that draws from the traditions and heritage of its constituent denominations. The Church accepts the [[Chalcedonian Christological Definition]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bindley |first1=T. Herbert (Thomas Herbert) |title=The oecumenical documents of the faith [microform]. The creed of Nicaea. Three epistles of Cyril. The tome of Leo. The Chalcedonian definition |url=https://archive.org/details/MN41552ucmf_1/page/n241 |publisher=London : Methuen & Co. |year=1899}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chalcedonian Definition |url=https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/chalcedonian-definition |website=Episcopal Church |language=en |date=22 May 2012}}</ref> as well as the [[Apostles' Creed]] and the [[Nicene Creed]]. Both creeds are included in the Church liturgy as the profession of [[faith]].<ref name="Beliefs and Practices">{{cite web |title=Beliefs and Practices |url=http://redeemercsichurch.org/beliefs-practices.php |website=redeemercsichurch.org |access-date=13 June 2019 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407023758/http://redeemercsichurch.org/beliefs-practices.php |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/FIRST%20ORDER%20FOR%20MORNING%20AND%20EVENING%20WORSHIP.pdf|title=CSI Order of Service|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref> The Church practices [[infant baptism]] for children born in Christian homes and adult or [[believer's baptism]] for others. Baptized children are members of the church and share in the privileges and obligations of membership so far as they are capable of doing so.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/HOLY%20BAPTISM%20OF%20INFANTS.pdf|title=Holy Baptism of Infants (CSI)|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/HOLY%20BAPTISM%20OF%20ADULTS.pdf|title=Holy Baptism of Persons Able to Answer for Themselves (CSI)|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref>


The Church of South India practices the [[rite]] of [[Confirmation]], by which the ''confirmands'' (those being confirmed) upon profession of their Christian faith, obtain confirmation of their baptisms and thereafter, gets to partake fully in the privileges and obligations associated with Church membership. Secondarily, this is also a [[coming of age]] ceremony. Confirmation is almost always administered by a Bishop with the imposition of hands and occasionally by a Presbyter who is authorized to confirm.<ref name="Beliefs and Practices"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/CONFIRMATION.pdf|title=An Order of Service for the Reception of Baptized Persons into the Full Fellowship of the Church Commonly Called Confirmation (CSI)|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Confirmation |url=http://www.religionfacts.com/confirmation |website=ReligionFacts |language=en}}</ref>
The Church of South India practices the [[Rite (Christianity)|rite]] of [[Confirmation]], by which the ''confirmands'' (those being confirmed) upon profession of their Christian faith, obtain confirmation of their baptisms and thereafter, get to partake fully in the privileges and obligations associated with Church membership. Secondarily, this is also a [[coming of age]] ceremony. Confirmation is almost always administered by a Bishop with the imposition of hands and occasionally by a Presbyter who is authorized to confirm.<ref name="Beliefs and Practices"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/PDF/CONFIRMATION.pdf|title=An Order of Service for the Reception of Baptized Persons into the Full Fellowship of the Church Commonly Called Confirmation (CSI)|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Confirmation |url=http://www.religionfacts.com/confirmation |website=ReligionFacts |language=en}}</ref>


== Social issues ==
=== Capital punishment ===
Regarding ordination and social issues, the CSI has a tendency to be more [[Liberal Christianity|liberal]] than other churches in the Global South. In 2013, the CSI consecrated its first female bishop, [[Eggoni Pushpalalitha]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=ACNS staff|title=Church of South India appoints first female bishop|url=http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/09/25/church-of-south-india-appoints-first-female-bishop/|website=episcopaldigitalnetwork.com|publisher=Episcopal Digital Network|access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref> Likewise, relating to human sexuality, the CSI is more accepting of diversity of opinion. "The Church of South India (CSI) [is] a relatively liberal Protestant church which has, since 1984, allowed women to become pastors. 'CSI has been liberal on these issues. It has taken up issues of gender, dalits and [[landlessness]]. It has to address the issue of sexual minorities too'".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kerala-rising-cases-of-sexual-abuse-within-the-church/1/151572.html|title=Rising cases of sexual abuse within the church in Kerala force clergy to rethink on homosexuality|website=India Today|access-date=2016-04-29}}</ref> In 2009, the Rev. Christopher Rajkumar spoke out in favour of gay rights.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Paul|first1=Cithara|title=Protestants support gay rights|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090805/jsp/frontpage/story_11322140.jsp|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=Kolkota|access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref> Also in 2009, Bishop V. Devashayam "gave a favorable impression" of gay rights arguing that sexual orientation is genetic.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.efionline.org/the-news/efi-news/58-current-issues/189-church-pressed-to-rethink-and-embrace-the-lgbt-community|title=Church pressed to rethink and embrace the LGBT community|last=deepak|website=efionline.org|access-date=2016-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828204418/http://www.efionline.org/the-news/efi-news/58-current-issues/189-church-pressed-to-rethink-and-embrace-the-lgbt-community|archive-date=28 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.christiantoday.co.in/article/church.urged.to.rethink.and.embrace.the.lgbt.community/4326.htm|title=Church pressed to rethink and embrace the LGBT community|last=Today|first=Christian|work=Christian Today|access-date=2018-01-29|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141718/http://www.christiantoday.co.in/article/church.urged.to.rethink.and.embrace.the.lgbt.community/4326.htm|archive-date=29 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The Church of South India opposes the death penalty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csisynod.com/news_view.php?Id=52|title=CSI SYNOD|website=csisynod.com|access-date=2016-10-25|archive-date=30 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330025057/https://www.csisynod.com/news_view.php?Id=52|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Moreover, in 2015, St. Mark's Cathedral in Bangalore hosted an event, co-led by the Rev. Vincent Rajkumar, aimed at denouncing homophobia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Silthou|first1=Makepeace|title=A Theological Challenge to Christian Homophobia|url=http://thewire.in/2015/12/09/a-theological-challenge-to-christian-homophobia-16685/|work=The Wire|access-date=12 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211203604/http://thewire.in/2015/12/09/a-theological-challenge-to-christian-homophobia-16685/|archive-date=11 December 2015}}</ref> CSI clergy, working with the [[National Council of Churches in India]], also co-led a consultation speaking out against homophobia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://josephgoh.org/?p=525|title=International Consultation on Church and Homophobia|date=2014-12-08|website=Joseph N. Goh|language=en-US|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref> Currently, the Church of South India is also listed as among the Anglican provinces open to [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|blessing same-sex couples]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Church split over homosexuality would be a failure - Welby|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35278124|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sanghamam.com/readnews.php?id=8588|title=സ്വവര്‍ഗ രതിയും വിവാഹവും: ആംഗ്ലിക്കന്‍ കമ്യൂണിയനില്‍ ഭിന്നത രൂക്ഷം|website=sanghamam.com|language=EN|access-date=2017-05-04}}</ref> In August 2016, the CSI's publication expressed concern that the "Christian church and Christian mission to a large extent are homophobic. It has excluded the gender minorities from the church and its worship".<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Horizons of Freedom|url=http://www.csisynod.com/Admin/csilife/78_csi%20life%20august%202016.pdf|journal=CSI Life: Magazine of the Church of South India|volume=14}}</ref>
=== Women's ordination ===
The CSI recommended the ordination of women to the priesthood in 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Can woman serve as pastor or ordained priest? |url=https://morungexpress.com/can-woman-serve-pastor-or-ordained-priest |access-date=2025-10-26 |website=MorungExpress}}</ref> Since 1984, the CSI has ordained women to the priesthood.<ref name="Radhakrishnan2011" /> In 2013, the CSI consecrated its first female bishop, [[Pushpa Lalitha|Eggoni Pushpalalitha]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=ACNS staff|title=Church of South India appoints first female bishop|url=http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/09/25/church-of-south-india-appoints-first-female-bishop/|website=episcopaldigitalnetwork.com|publisher=Episcopal Digital Network|access-date=12 January 2016|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053348/http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/09/25/church-of-south-india-appoints-first-female-bishop/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet India's first woman Bishop |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/meet-indias-first-woman-bishop-535848 |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The Church of South India, since 1984, has allowed [[Ordination of women in Protestant denominations|women's ordination]].<ref name="Radhakrishnan2011"/> Additionally, "it has taken up issues of gender, dalits and [[landlessness]]."<ref name="Radhakrishnan2011">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/20110926-kerala-rising-cases-of-sexual-abuse-within-the-church-747702-2011-09-17|date=26 September 2011|author=M G Radhakrishnan|title=Rising cases of sexual abuse within the church in Kerala force clergy to rethink on homosexuality|publisher=[[India Today]]|access-date=2016-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Paul|first1=Cithara|title=Protestants support gay rights|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090805/jsp/frontpage/story_11322140.jsp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120914124004/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090805/jsp/frontpage/story_11322140.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 September 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=Kolkota|access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.efionline.org/the-news/efi-news/58-current-issues/189-church-pressed-to-rethink-and-embrace-the-lgbt-community|title=Church pressed to rethink and embrace the LGBT community|last=deepak|website=efionline.org|access-date=2016-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828204418/http://www.efionline.org/the-news/efi-news/58-current-issues/189-church-pressed-to-rethink-and-embrace-the-lgbt-community|archive-date=28 August 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.christiantoday.co.in/article/church.urged.to.rethink.and.embrace.the.lgbt.community/4326.htm|title=Church pressed to rethink and embrace the LGBT community|last=Today|first=Christian|work=Christian Today|access-date=2018-01-29|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141718/http://www.christiantoday.co.in/article/church.urged.to.rethink.and.embrace.the.lgbt.community/4326.htm|archive-date=29 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In 2016, a seminary affiliated with the CSI offered a seminar on LGBT issues. "The [[Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary]] in Madurai held a two-hour seminar on gender and sexuality..."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/awesome-tamil-nadu-seminary-teaching-pastors-accept-lgbt-community-46577|title=Awesome! This Tamil Nadu seminary is teaching pastors to accept the LGBT community|date=2016-07-15|work=The News Minute|access-date=2017-12-11}}</ref> The National Council of Churches in India, of which the CSI is a member, supports the legalisation of same-sex relationships in India.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ncci1914.com/2018/01/11/towards-just-and-inclusive-communities-a-statement-on-sec-377-of-ipc/|title=Towards Just and Inclusive Communities: A Statement on Sec.377 of IPC|date=2018-01-11|work=NCCI|access-date=2018-07-22|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/indias-faith-leaders-want-to-scrap-gay-sex-ban-ahead-of-supreme-court-ruling/#gs.jZagiSQ|title=India's faith leaders want to scrap gay sex ban ahead of Supreme Court ruling|date=2018-07-19|work=Gay Star News|access-date=2018-07-22|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== LGBTQIA+ Ordination and Beliefs ===
Many dioceses of the CSI church have confirmed that transgender persons may be ordained as clergy.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/csi-to-ordain-transgender-a-priest/article2864240.ece|title=CSI to ordain transgender a priest|date=2012-02-06|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-04-29}}</ref> On [[transgender]] issues, the Diocese of Madras has a ministry specifically for transgender people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csimadrasdiocese.org/ministries.php?cat=13|title=Church of South India {{!}} CSI Chennai Diocese {{!}} CSI Diocese of Madras|website=www.csimadrasdiocese.org|access-date=2016-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213194541/http://www.csimadrasdiocese.org/ministries.php?cat=13|archive-date=13 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2012, the denomination invited a transgender pastor to preach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Transgender-in-a-fix-over-spiritual-path/articleshow/11787219.cms|title=Transgender in a fix over spiritual path - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=7 February 2012 |access-date=2016-05-01}}</ref>


On [[transgender]] issues, the Diocese of Madras has a ministry specifically for transgender people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csimadrasdiocese.org/ministries.php?cat=13|title=Church of South India {{!}} CSI Chennai Diocese {{!}} CSI Diocese of Madras|website=www.csimadrasdiocese.org|access-date=2016-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213194541/http://www.csimadrasdiocese.org/ministries.php?cat=13|archive-date=13 February 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Moreover, the CSI has opened up ordained ministry to transgender clergy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/csi-to-ordain-transgender-a-priest/article2864240.ece|title=CSI to ordain transgender a priest|date=2012-02-06|newspaper=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=2016-04-29}}</ref> In 2012, the denomination invited a transgender pastor to preach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Transgender-in-a-fix-over-spiritual-path/articleshow/11787219.cms|title=Transgender in a fix over spiritual path - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=2016-05-01}}</ref> The CSI also published resources for special Sunday celebrations for transgender people including an invitation for transgender members to preach in churches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csisynod.com/news_view.php?Id=87|title=CSI SYNOD|website=csisynod.com|access-date=2016-10-25}}</ref>
In 2016, a seminary affiliated with the CSI offered a seminar on LGBT issues. "The [[Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary]] in Madurai held a two-hour seminar on gender and sexuality..."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/awesome-tamil-nadu-seminary-teaching-pastors-accept-lgbt-community-46577|title=Awesome! This Tamil Nadu seminary is teaching pastors to accept the LGBT community|date=2016-07-15|work=The News Minute|access-date=2017-12-11}}</ref> Bishops and other clergy have supported LGBTQ inclusion through the church's publication, ''CSI Life''.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Francis |first=V.S. |date=December 2023 |title=Finding Space for the Prince of Peace |url=https://csi-synod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3/1707718191744CSILife-December20231707718192062.pdf |journal=CSI Life |volume=XXI |issue=12 |pages=8 |via=Church of South India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Singh |first=Peter |date=May 2023 |title=Promise & Transformation by the Holy Spirit |url=https://csi-synod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3/1689244935287052023May1689244934947.pdf |journal=CSI Life |volume=XXI |issue=5 |pages=5–8 |via=Church of South India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kumar |first=Sunil |date=March 2023 |title=THE CROSS : FORGIVING, ACCEPTING, LIBERATING AND RESTORING CHRIST |journal=CSI Life |volume=XXI |issue=3 |pages=5–6 |via=Church of South India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Palanna |first=Samuel |date=November 2022 |title=The Ethics of the Covenantal Open Church Amidst the Challenges of the Contractual Open World |url=https://csi-synod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3/1673496874169CSILife-November20221673497548179.pdf |journal=CSI Life |volume=XX |issue=11 |pages=5–8 |via=Church of South India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stephen |first=Alfred |date=September 2022 |title=Mission Statement, Mission Priorities and Mission Consultation |url=https://csi-synod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3/1673496228386CSILife-September20221673497062631.pdf |journal=CSI Life |volume=XX |issue=9 |pages=4–5 |via=Church of South India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=John |first=Maxcin |date=July 2022 |title=Theological Education An Eye of a Reader, Tongue of a Teacher and Ears of a Servant |url=https://csi-synod.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/s3/1672639339901CSILife-July20221672639344548.pdf |journal=CSI Life |volume=XX |issue=7 |pages=24 |via=Church of South India}}</ref>  


The church, via its monthly publication, has also taken a stance of solidarity with the [[Dalit]] community, women, and the [[LGBT]] community. One ministry, led by a priest, "took a session on 'working towards an inclusive Church' with special reference to the transgenders", and the church celebrates the "self-liberation" of the Dalit community.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Samuel|first1=Joseph|last2=Victor|first2=James Cecil|date=February 2016|title=CSI Life|url=http://www.csisynod.com/Admin/csilife/72_february%20final%20file.pdf|journal=Magazine of the Church of South India|volume=XIV|issue=2|access-date=24 August 2018}}</ref> Additionally, the church's publication stated that "the Church leaders expressed their concerns about the neglected people such as LGBT and those affected and infected with HIV/AIDS...[and] urged the listeners(Church Leaders)...[to] not only show solidarity but also moving beyond in accommodating them".<ref>{{Cite journal|date=May 2015|title=Church Leaders and Key Affected People: A Dialogue|url=http://www.csisynod.com/Admin/csilife/63_CSI%20LIFE%20MAY%202015.pdf|journal=CSI Life: Magazine of the Church of South India|volume=XIII|issue=5|access-date=24 August 2018}}</ref>
The [[National Council of Churches in India]], of which the CSI is a member, supported the legalization of consensual same-sex relationships in India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-08-04 |title=Protestants cool with verdict on homosexuality |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/protestants-cool-with-verdict-on-homosexuality-53514-2009-08-03 |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=voltaire |date=2018-01-23 |title=India's National Council of Churches Advocates for Repeal of Section 377 - Singapore News |url=https://theindependent.sg/indias-national-council-of-churches-advocates-for-repeal-of-section-377/ |access-date=2024-06-03 |website=The Independent Singapore News |language=en-US}}</ref>  


The CSI also opposes the death penalty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csisynod.com/news_view.php?Id=52|title=CSI SYNOD|website=csisynod.com|access-date=2016-10-25}}</ref>
In 2015, [[St. Mark's Cathedral, Bangalore]] hosted an event, co-led by the Rev. Vincent Rajkumar, aimed at denouncing homophobia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Silthou|first1=Makepeace|title=A Theological Challenge to Christian Homophobia|url=http://thewire.in/2015/12/09/a-theological-challenge-to-christian-homophobia-16685/|work=The Wire|access-date=12 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211203604/http://thewire.in/2015/12/09/a-theological-challenge-to-christian-homophobia-16685/|archive-date=11 December 2015}}</ref> CSI clergy, working with the [[National Council of Churches in India]] also co-led a consultation speaking out against homophobia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://josephgoh.org/?p=525|title=International Consultation on Church and Homophobia|date=2014-12-08|website=Joseph N. Goh|language=en-US|access-date=2016-05-23}}</ref> The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) listed the Church of South India as being among the Anglican provinces open to [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|blessing same-sex couples]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Church split over homosexuality would be a failure - Welby|work=BBC News |date=11 January 2016 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35278124|access-date=12 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sanghamam.com/readnews.php?id=8588|title=സവവരഗ രതിയം വിവാഹവം: ആംഗലികകന കമയണിയനില ഭിനനത രകഷം|website=sanghamam.com|language=EN|access-date=2017-05-04|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408170135/https://www.sanghamam.com/readnews.php?id=8588|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Liturgy==
==Liturgy==
The CSI Synod Liturgical Congress has developed several new orders for worship for different occasions.<ref name="csimichigan.org">{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/Liturgy.htm|title=Church of South India Liturgy: CSI Order of Services|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref> The order for the Communion service, known as the CSI Liturgy, has been internationally acclaimed as an important model for new liturgies. The committee has also produced three different cycles of lectionaries for daily Bible readings and "propers", and collects for Communion services. In addition, the committee has also brought out a supplement to the Book of Common Worship.<ref name="csimichigan.org"/> Cherishing the [[reformation]] principle of worship in the native language, the CSI liturgy and [[church service]]s are completely in the vernacular, in all the different [[South India]]n states and [[Northern Province, Sri Lanka|Northern Sri Lanka]], which comprise its [[ecclesiastical province]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Where worship began with Canarese hymns |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2017/jan/18/where-worship-began-with-canarese-hymns-1561037.html |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Book of Common Prayer in Tamil (1885) |url=http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/India/Tamil1885.html |website=justus.anglican.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Anglicans Online: Books of Common Prayer |url=http://anglicansonline.org/resources/bcp.html |website=anglicansonline.org}}</ref>
The CSI Synod Liturgical Congress has developed several new orders for worship for different occasions.<ref name="csimichigan.org">{{Cite web|url=http://csimichigan.org/Liturgy.htm|title=Church of South India Liturgy: CSI Order of Services|website=CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan}}</ref> The order for the Communion service, known as the CSI Liturgy, has been internationally acclaimed as an important model for new liturgies. The committee has also produced three different cycles of lectionaries for daily Bible readings and "propers", and collects for Communion services. In addition, the committee has also brought out a supplement to the Book of Common Worship.<ref name="csimichigan.org"/> Cherishing the [[reformation]] principle of worship in the native language, the CSI liturgy and [[church service]]s are completely in the vernacular, in all the different [[South India]]n states and [[Northern Province, Sri Lanka|Northern Sri Lanka]], which comprise its [[ecclesiastical province]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Where worship began with Canarese hymns |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2017/jan/18/where-worship-began-with-canarese-hymns-1561037.html |website=The New Indian Express|date=19 January 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Book of Common Prayer in Tamil (1885) |url=http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/India/Tamil1885.html |website=justus.anglican.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Anglicans Online: Books of Common Prayer |url=http://anglicansonline.org/resources/bcp.html |website=anglicansonline.org}}</ref>


==Observances and Festivals==
==Observances and festivals==
The important observances and festivals include [[Ash Wednesday]], [[Lent]], [[Passion Week]], [[Palm Sunday]], [[Maundy Thursday]], [[Good Friday]], [[Easter]], [[Ascension day]], [[Pentecost]], [[Harvest festival|First Fruits Harvest]] and [[Christmas]].<ref name="Denominations 1">{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=oTtcFiGbW2kC&q=lent+lutheran+catholic+methodist&pg=PA98| title = Comparative Religion For Dummies|publisher=[[For Dummies]]|quote=This is the day Lent begins. Christians go to church to pray and have a cross drawn in ashes on their foreheads. The ashes drawn on ancient tradition represent repentance before God. The holiday is part of Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopalian liturgies, among others| isbn = 9781118052273|year=2011}}</ref>
The important observances and festivals include [[Lent]] (including its first day, [[Ash Wednesday]]), [[Passion Week]], [[Palm Sunday]], [[Maundy Thursday]], [[Good Friday]], [[Easter]], [[Ascension Thursday]], [[Pentecost]], [[Lammas]] and [[Christmas]].<ref name="Denominations 1">{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=oTtcFiGbW2kC&q=lent+lutheran+catholic+methodist&pg=PA98| title = Comparative Religion For Dummies|publisher=[[For Dummies]]|quote=This is the day Lent begins. Christians go to church to pray and have a cross drawn in ashes on their foreheads. The ashes drawn on ancient tradition represent repentance before God. The holiday is part of Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopalian liturgies, among others| isbn = 9781118052273|year=2011}}</ref>


==Constitution==
==Constitution==
The Constitution of the CSI is the key document that governs the administration and management of the church. It comprises 14 chapters detailing rules for the functioning of the Church at every level, from local congregations to the pastorate, dioceses and the Synod.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution |url=http://redeemercsichurch.org/constitution.php |website=redeemercsichurch.org}}</ref> The most important part of the CSI Constitution is "The Governing Principles of the Church" which sets out 21 governing principles on which the other chapters of the Constitution and the rules contained therein rest. While amending any part of the Constitution can be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Synod, amending the Governing Principles requires a three-fourths majority.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Constitution of the Church of South India |publisher=Christian Literature Society |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AstWAAAAMAAJ&q=editions:UOM39015069848920|year=1952 }}</ref>
The Constitution of the CSI is the key document that governs the administration and management of the church. It comprises 14 chapters detailing rules for the functioning of the Church at every level, from local congregations to the pastorate, dioceses and the Synod.<ref>{{cite web |title=Constitution |url=http://redeemercsichurch.org/constitution.php |website=redeemercsichurch.org |access-date=1 July 2019 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426021727/http://redeemercsichurch.org/constitution.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The most important part of the CSI Constitution is "The Governing Principles of the Church" which sets out 21 governing principles on which the other chapters of the Constitution and the rules contained therein rest. While amending any part of the Constitution can be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Synod, amending the Governing Principles requires a three-fourths majority.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Constitution of the Church of South India |publisher=Christian Literature Society |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AstWAAAAMAAJ&q=editions:UOM39015069848920|year=1952 }}</ref>


==Ecumenism==
==Ecumenism==
As a [[united and uniting churches|united Protestant Church]], the Church of South Indian is a member of the [[World Methodist Council]], as well as the [[World Communion of Reformed Churches]]; as a constituent member of the [[Anglican Communion]] and its bishops participate in the [[Lambeth Conferences]].<ref name="WMC2020"/> It also has representation in the [[Anglican Consultative Council]].<ref name="WMC2020"/> Consequently, the CSI is in full communion with the [[Old Catholic Church]]es of the [[Union of Utrecht (Old Catholic)|Union of Utrecht]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.occus.org/old-catholic-church|title=Old Catholic Church in the United States|website=Old Catholic Confederation}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Old-Catholic churches|website=World Council of Churches |url=https://www.oikoumene.org/en/church-families/old-catholic-churches |language=en}}</ref> and the [[Philippine Independent Church|Philippine Independent Catholic Church]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Anglican Communion: Churches in Communion |journal=Anglican Communion Website |url=https://www.anglicancommunion.org/ecumenism/churches-in-communion.aspx |language=en}}</ref> It is a member of the [[World Council of Churches]], the [[World Alliance of Reformed Churches]], [[Christian Conference of Asia]] and the [[National Council of Churches in India]]. Through the [[Communion of Churches in India]], it is also in partnership and full communion with the [[Church of North India]] and the [[Mar Thoma Syrian Church]].
As a [[united and uniting churches|united Protestant Church]], the Church of South Indian is a member of the [[World Methodist Council]], as well as the [[World Communion of Reformed Churches]]; as a constituent member of the [[Anglican Communion]] its bishops participate in the [[Lambeth Conferences]].<ref name="WMC2020"/> It also has representation in the [[Anglican Consultative Council]].<ref name="WMC2020"/> Consequently, the CSI is in full communion with the [[Old Catholic Church]]es of the [[Union of Utrecht (Old Catholic)|Union of Utrecht]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.occus.org/old-catholic-church|title=Old Catholic Church in the United States|website=Old Catholic Confederation}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Old-Catholic churches|website=World Council of Churches |url=https://www.oikoumene.org/en/church-families/old-catholic-churches |language=en}}</ref> and the [[Philippine Independent Church|Philippine Independent Catholic Church]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Anglican Communion: Churches in Communion |journal=Anglican Communion Website |url=https://www.anglicancommunion.org/ecumenism/churches-in-communion.aspx |language=en}}</ref> It is a member of the [[World Council of Churches]], the [[World Alliance of Reformed Churches]], [[Christian Conference of Asia]] and the [[National Council of Churches in India]]. Through the [[Communion of Churches in India]], it is also in partnership and full communion with the [[Church of North India]] and the [[Mar Thoma Syrian Church]].


The Church of South India maintains close partnerships with the [[Church of Scotland]], [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church of the United States]], [[Methodist Church of Great Britain]], [[Presbyterian Church of Korea|Presbyterian Church in Korea]], [[Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea]], [[Presbyterian Church of India]], [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], [[Reformed Church in America]], [[United Church of Christ]] and the [[Uniting Church in Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.csisynod.com/partners.php|title=CSI SYNOD|website=csisynod.com|access-date=2016-07-25}}</ref>
The Church of South India maintains close partnerships with the [[Church of Scotland]], [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church of the United States]], [[Methodist Church of Great Britain]], [[Presbyterian Church of Korea (TongHap)|Presbyterian Church in Korea]], [[Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea]], [[Presbyterian Church of India]], [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], [[Reformed Church in America]], [[United Church of Christ]] and the [[Uniting Church in Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=CSI 1947 |url=https://csi1947.com/about/partners_screen |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=csi1947.com}}</ref>


==Administration==
==Administration==
The church accepts the [[Lambeth Quadrilateral]] as its basis and recognises the [[Episcopal polity|historical episcopate]] in its constitutional form.<ref name="WCC-CSI">{{cite web|url=http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/regions/asia/india/church-of-south-india.html|title=World Council of Churches – The Church of South India|access-date=2008-06-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611024524/http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/regions/asia/india/church-of-south-india.html|archive-date=11 June 2008}}</ref> Like [[Anglican ministry|Anglican]] and most other [[Episcopal polity|episcopal]] Churches, the ministry of the Church of South India is structured with three [[holy orders]] of [[Bishop]]s, [[Priest]]s and [[Deacon]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/churchman/082-04_249.pdf|title=The Church of South India and Reunion in England}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Final Action on the Church of South India by General Convention 1958 |date=24 July 2018 |url=https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/document/final-action-church-south-india-general-convention-1958 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.csicod.org/ORDINATIONOFPRESBYTERS.pdf|title=Orders for the Ordination of Deacons/Deaconesses; The Ordination of Presbyters; The Consecration of Bishops|website=Church of South India: Congregation of Dallas}}</ref>
The church accepts the [[Lambeth Quadrilateral]] as its basis and recognises the [[Episcopal polity|historical episcopate]] in its constitutional form.<ref name="WCC-CSI">{{cite web|url=http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/regions/asia/india/church-of-south-india.html|title=World Council of Churches – The Church of South India|access-date=2008-06-21|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611024524/http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/regions/asia/india/church-of-south-india.html|archive-date=11 June 2008}}</ref> Like [[Anglican ministry|Anglican]] and most other [[Episcopal polity|episcopal]] Churches, the ministry of the Church of South India is structured with three [[holy orders]] of [[bishop]]s, [[priest]]s and [[deacon]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Packer |first=J. I. |url=https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/churchman/082-04_249.pdf|title=The Church of South India and Reunion in England|journal=The Churchman}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Final Action on the Church of South India by General Convention 1958 |date=24 July 2018 |url=https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/document/final-action-church-south-india-general-convention-1958 |language=en |access-date=25 July 2018 |archive-date=11 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811133953/https://episcopalchurch.org/library/document/final-action-church-south-india-general-convention-1958 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|url=http://www.csicod.org/ORDINATIONOFPRESBYTERS.pdf|title=Orders for the Ordination of Deacons/Deaconesses; The Ordination of Presbyters; The Consecration of Bishops|website=Church of South India: Congregation of Dallas|access-date=26 February 2019|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026123334/http://www.csicod.org/ORDINATIONOFPRESBYTERS.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Synod==
==Synod==
{{main|Church of South India Synod}}
{{main|Church of South India Synod}}
The church is governed by a [[synod]] based in [[Chennai]] and headed by a [[presiding bishop]] bearing the title of Moderator, who is elected every three years. The new Moderator of the Church of South India is the Most Reverend A. Dharmaraj Rasalam, Bishop of [[South Kerala Diocese]], since his election at the Synod on 11 January 2020.<ref>[https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2020/01/new-moderator-elected-for-the-united-church-of-south-india.aspx Anglican Communion News Service, 13 January 2020 — New Moderator elected for the united Church of South India] (Accessed 20 February 2020)</ref> The Deputy Moderator is the Right Reverend [[Reuben Mark]], Bishop of the [[Diocese of Karimnagar of the Church of South India|Karimnagar Diocese]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.csisynod.com/officers-of-the-synod.php|title=Officers of the Synod|website=Church of South India}}</ref>
The church is governed by a [[synod]] based in [[Chennai]] and headed by a [[presiding bishop]] bearing the title of Moderator, who is elected every three years. The officers were elected for a three-year term at the Synod meeting. The present officers of the synod are The Rt. Rev. K. Reuben Mark, Deputy Moderator & Moderator in-charge, CSI, Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary, CSI, B. Vimal Sukumar, Hon.Treasurer, CSI.


The church runs 2,300 schools, 150 colleges and 104 hospitals in South India. In the 1960s the church became conscious of its social responsibility and started organising rural development projects. There are 50 such projects all over India, 50 training centres for young people and 600 residential hostels for a total of 50,000 children.<ref name="About CSI"/>
The church runs 2,300 schools, 150 colleges and 104 hospitals in South India. In the 1960s the church became conscious of its social responsibility and started organising rural development projects. There are 50 such projects all over India, 50 training centres for young people and 600 residential hostels for a total of 50,000 children.<ref name="About CSI"/>


==Dioceses==
==Dioceses==
The church is further divided into twenty-five [[diocese]]s, each under the supervision of a [[bishop]], including one diocese encompassing [[Jaffna]], [[Sri Lanka]]. The dioceses are governed by diocesan councils composed of all [[clergy]] in the diocese as well as lay people elected from the local congregations.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.csi-kanyakumari.org/About.htm |title= About Kanyakumari Diocese |access-date= 2008-06-21 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080827195230/http://www.csi-kanyakumari.org/About.htm |archive-date= 27 August 2008 |url-status= dead }}</ref> Each church will have representation in diocesan council based on their membership. The diocese is headed by the Bishop, who is a presbyter elected through the Diocesan Council. He is considered as the head of the diocese and all the institutions belonging to the diocese. Other than the Bishop, the following are the important administrative posts of each diocese:
The church is further divided into twenty-six [[diocese]]s, each under the supervision of a [[bishop]], including one diocese encompassing [[Jaffna]], [[Sri Lanka]]. The dioceses are governed by diocesan councils composed of all [[clergy]] in the diocese as well as lay people elected from the local congregations.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.csi-kanyakumari.org/About.htm |title= About Kanyakumari Diocese |access-date= 2008-06-21 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080827195230/http://www.csi-kanyakumari.org/About.htm |archive-date= 27 August 2008 |url-status= dead }}</ref> Each church will have representation in diocesan council based on their membership. The diocese is headed by the Bishop, who is a presbyter elected through the Diocesan Council. He is considered as the head of the diocese and all the institutions belonging to the diocese. Other than the Bishop, the following are the important administrative posts of each diocese:
*Clergy Secretary: Manages all the activities of the pastoral & evangelical workers in the diocese
*Clergy Secretary: Manages all the activities of the pastoral & evangelical workers in the diocese
*Lay Secretary: Manages all the lay workers' activities in the diocese
*Lay Secretary: Manages all the lay workers' activities in the diocese
Line 137: Line 143:
| style="width:20%;"|[[Nandyal Diocese of the Church of South India|Nandyal Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Nandyal Diocese of the Church of South India|Nandyal Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Nandyal]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Nandyal]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Eggoni Pushpa Lalitha|E. Pushpa Lalitha]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[K. Santhosh Prasanna Rao]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Rayalaseema Diocese of the Church of South India|Rayalaseema Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Rayalaseema Diocese of the Church of South India|Rayalaseema Diocese]]
Line 146: Line 152:
| style="width:15%;"|[[Dornakal]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Dornakal]]
| rowspan="3" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;"|[[Telangana]]
| rowspan="3" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;"|[[Telangana]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Vacant]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[K. Padmarao]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Diocese of Medak of the Church of South India|Medak Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Diocese of Medak of the Church of South India|Medak Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Medak]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Medak]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[A. C. Solomon Raj]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Commissary#Ecclesiastical|Moderator's Commissary]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Karimnagar Diocese of the Church of South India|Karimnagar Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Karimnagar Diocese of the Church of South India|Karimnagar Diocese]]
Line 159: Line 165:
| style="width:15%;"|[[Bangalore]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Bangalore]]
| rowspan="3" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;"|[[Karnataka]]
| rowspan="3" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;"|[[Karnataka]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Prasana Kumar Samuel]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Vincent Vinod Kumar]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Karnataka Northern Diocese of the Church of South India|Karnataka Northern Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Karnataka Northern Diocese of the Church of South India|Karnataka Northern Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Dharwad]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Dharwad]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Ravikumar Niranjan]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Martin C Borgai]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Karnataka Southern Diocese of the Church of South India|Karnataka Southern Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Karnataka Southern Diocese of the Church of South India|Karnataka Southern Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Mangalore]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Mangalore]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Mohan Manoraj]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[HemaChandra Kumar]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[East Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India|East Kerala Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[East Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India|East Kerala Diocese]]
Line 175: Line 181:
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Kochi Diocese of the Church of South India|Cochin Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Kochi Diocese of the Church of South India|Cochin Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Cochin]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Kochi]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Baker Ninan Fenn]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Kurian Peter]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Kollam-Kottarakkara Diocese of the Church of South India|Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Kollam-Kottarakkara Diocese of the Church of South India|Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Kollam]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Kollam]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Oommen George]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Jose George]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Madhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India|Madhya Kerala Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Madhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India|Madhya Kerala Diocese]]
Line 192: Line 198:
| style="width:20%;"|[[South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India|South Kerala Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India|South Kerala Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Trivandrum]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Trivandrum]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Dharmaraj Rasalam]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Commissary#Ecclesiastical|Moderator's Commissary]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Diocese of Coimbatore of the Church of South India|Coimbatore Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Diocese of Coimbatore of the Church of South India|Coimbatore Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Coimbatore]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Coimbatore]]
| rowspan="8" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;"|[[Tamil Nadu]]
| rowspan="9" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;" |[[Tamil Nadu]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Timothy Ravinder]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[S. Prince Calvin]]
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Diocese of Erode-Salem of the Church of South India|Erode-Salem Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Salem, Tamil Nadu|Salem]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[A. Jacob Livingston]] (died)
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Diocese of Kanyakumari of the Church of South India|Kanyakumari Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Diocese of Kanyakumari of the Church of South India|Kanyakumari Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Nagercoil]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Nagercoil]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[AR Chelliah]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[S. Christopher Vijayan]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Anglican Diocese of Madras|Madras Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Anglican Diocese of Madras|Madras Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Chennai]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Chennai]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Jayaraj George Stephen]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Paul Francis Ravichandran]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Madurai-Ramnad Diocese of the Church of South India|Madurai-Ramnad Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Madurai-Ramnad Diocese of the Church of South India|Madurai-Ramnad Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Madurai]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Madurai]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Marialouis Joseph]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Jeyasingh Prince Prabhakaran]]


|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Thoothukudi - Nazareth Diocese of the Church of South India|Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Thoothukudi - Nazareth Diocese of the Church of South India|Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Thoothukudi]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Thoothukudi]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Samuel Ebenezer Clement Devasahayam]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Commissary#Ecclesiastical|Moderator's Commissary]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Tirunelveli Diocese of the Church of South India|Tirunelveli Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Tirunelveli Diocese of the Church of South India|Tirunelveli Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Tirunelveli]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Tirunelveli]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[JJ Christudoss]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[A.R.G.S.T. Barnabas]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Trichy-Tanjore Diocese of the Church of South India|Trichy-Tanjore Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Trichy-Tanjore Diocese of the Church of South India|Trichy-Tanjore Diocese]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Tiruchirappalli]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Tiruchirappalli]]
| style="width:30%;"| [[Dhanraj Chandrasekaran]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anglicancommunion.org/tour/diocese.cfm?Idind=505&view=alpha |title=South India-Trichy-Tanjore |publisher=Anglican Communion |access-date=2014-08-15}}</ref>
| style="width:30%;"| [[S. Samuel Rajadurai]]
|-
|-
| style="width:20%;"|[[Anglican Diocese of Vellore|Vellore Diocese]]
| style="width:20%;"|[[Anglican Diocese of Vellore|Vellore Diocese]]
Line 231: Line 241:
| style="width:15%;"|[[Jaffna]]
| style="width:15%;"|[[Jaffna]]
| rowspan="1" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;"|[[Sri Lanka]]
| rowspan="1" style="width:15%; vertical-align:top;"|[[Sri Lanka]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Daniel Thiagarajah]]
| style="width:30%;"|[[Veluppillai Pathmathyalan]]
|}
|}
[[File:Church of South India Dioceses.jpg|400px|right|Church of South India Dioceses and headquarters.]]
[[File:Church of South India Dioceses.jpg|400px|right|Church of South India Dioceses and headquarters.]]
Line 240: Line 250:
The church recognizes theological degrees granted by institutions affiliated with the [[Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College]]. These include:
The church recognizes theological degrees granted by institutions affiliated with the [[Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College]]. These include:


* [[Kerala United Theological Seminary]] ('''KUTS'''), [[Trivandrum]]
* [[Kerala United Theological Seminary]] (KUTS), [[Trivandrum]], Kerala
* Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College ('''MBCBC'''), [[Shamshabad]], [[Hyderabad district, India|Hyderabad]]
* [[Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bible College]] (MBCBC), [[Shamshabad]], Telangana
* [[Andhra Christian Theological College]] ('''ACTC'''), [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]]
* [[Andhra Christian Theological College]] (ACTC), [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], Telangana
* Bethel Bible College ("' BBC"'), [Gunter]
* [[Bethel Bible College, Guntur|Bethel Bible College]] (BBC), [[Guntur]], Andhra Pradesh
* [[Gurukul Lutheran Theological College|Gurukul Lutheran Theological College & Research Institute]] ('''GLTCRI'''), [[Chennai]]
* [[Gurukul Lutheran Theological College|Gurukul Lutheran Theological College & Research Institute]] (GLTCRI), [[Chennai]], Tamil Nadu
* [[Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary]] ('''TTS'''), [[Madurai]]
* [[Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary]] (TTS), [[Madurai]], Tamil Nadu
* [[Union Biblical Seminary]] ('''UBS'''), [[Pune]]  
* [[Union Biblical Seminary]] (UBS), [[Pune]], Maharashtra
* [[United Theological College, Bangalore]] ('''UTC''')
* [[United Theological College, Bangalore]] (UTC), Karnataka
* [[South Asia Theological Research Institute]] ('''SATHRI'''), [[Bangalore]]
* [[South Asia Theological Research Institute]] (SATHRI), [[Bangalore]], Karnataka
* [[Karnataka Theological College]] ('''KTC'''), [[Mangalore]]
* [[Karnataka Theological College]] (KTC), [[Mangalore]], Karnataka
*  Bishops College ('''BC'''), [[Calcutta]]
*  Bishops College (BC), [[Calcutta]], West Bengal
* [[Serampore College]] ('''SC'''), [[Serampore]]
* [[Serampore College]] (SC), [[Serampore]], West Bengal


==See also==
==See also==
 
{{Portal|Christianity}}
* [[Anglican Communion]]
* [[Anglican Communion]]
* [[Church of North India]]
* [[Church of North India]]
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Church of South India}}
{{Commons category|Church of South India}}
* [http://www.csisynod.com/ CSI Synod]
* [http://www.csisynod.com/ CSI Synod] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829024131/https://www.csisynod.com/ |date=29 August 2018 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130530133045/http://churchofsouthindia.org/ Church of South India, General Secretary]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130530133045/http://churchofsouthindia.org/ Church of South India, General Secretary]
* [http://churchofsouthindia.org/dallas/ Church of South India, Dallas, Texas, USA]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [https://www.csidallaschurch.org Church of South India, Dallas, Texas, USA]
* [https://www.csitoronto.org/ Church of South India, Toronto, Ontario, Canada]
* [https://www.csitoronto.org/ Church of South India, Toronto, Ontario, Canada]
* [http://churchofsouthindia.org/bangalore/ Church of South India, Bangalore, Karnataka, India]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [https://karnatakacentral.csi1947.com Church of South India, Karnataka Central Diocese, India]
* [http://www.csimadrasdiocese.org/Chennai/ Church of South India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India]{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [https://www.csimadrasdiocese.org Church of South India, Diocese of Madras, Tamil Nadu, India]
*[https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/document/final-action-church-south-india-general-convention-1958 Final Action on the Church of South India by General Convention 1958]
*[https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/document/final-action-church-south-india-general-convention-1958 Final Action on the Church of South India by General Convention 1958] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811133953/https://episcopalchurch.org/library/document/final-action-church-south-india-general-convention-1958 |date=11 August 2020 }}
*[https://csimadhyakeraladiocese.org/ CSI Madhyakerala Diocese Website]


{{Anglican Churches}}
{{Anglican Churches}}
{{Christianity in Sri Lanka}}
{{Churches in India}}
{{Churches in India}}
{{Dioceses in the Church of South India}}  
{{Dioceses in the Church of South India}}  
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Church Of South India}}
[[Category:Church of South India| ]]
[[Category:Church of South India| ]]
[[Category:Anglican Communion church bodies|India, South]]
[[Category:Anglican Communion church bodies|India, South]]
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[[Category:1947 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1947 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Affiliated institutions of the National Council of Churches in India]]
[[Category:Affiliated institutions of the National Council of Churches in India]]
[[Category:Anglicanism in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Affirming Christian denominations in Asia]]

Latest revision as of 00:17, 18 February 2026


Church of South India
Logo of the Church of South India
AbbreviationCSI
ClassificationProtestant
OrientationUnited and uniting
PolityMixed polity with episcopal, congregational, and presbyterian elements[1][2]
ModeratorThe Most Rev. K. Reuben Mark
Deputy ModeratorThe Rt. Rev. V. S. Francis
General SecretaryAdv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja
Hon. TreasurerB. Vimal Sukumar
Distinct fellowshipsChristian Conference of Asia,
National Council of Churches in India,
Communion of Churches in India
AssociationsAnglican Communion,
World Methodist Council, World Council of Churches,
World Communion of Reformed Churches
RegionAndhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Telangana and Sri Lanka
Origin27 September 1947 (Day of Union, not date of establishment)
Tranquebar, Tamil Nadu (Presently Under the Pastorate of Karaikal - Tranquebar, Tiruchirappalli - Thanjavur Diocese)
Merger ofChurch of India, Burma and Ceylon (Anglican), the southern district of the Methodist Church, South India United Church (which was a union in 1904 of the Continental Reformed, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches), Basel Mission Churches in South India[3]
SeparationsAnglican Church of India (1964)
Anglican Catholic Church (1984)
Congregations14,000[4][5]
Members4,500,000 - 5,000,000
Ministers3,300[4]
Hospitals104[5]
Secondary schools2000 schools, 130 colleges[5]
Official websitewww.csi1947.com
Part of a series on
Christianity in India
Christianity in India
Communities
People
Denominations

Saint Thomas Christian denominations

Syro-Malabar Catholic, Syro-Malankara Catholic, Latin Catholic

Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Independent Oriential Orthodox

Malabar Independent Syrian Church

Chaldean Syrian

Mar Thoma Syrian, St. Thomas Evangelical

Protestant denominations
Andhra Evangelical Lutheran, Assemblies Jehovah Shammah, Christian Revival Church, Church of North India, Church of South India, Garo Baptist, Indian Brethren, Indian Pentecostal Church of God, Church of God (Full Gospel), North Bank Baptist Christian, Northern Evangelical Lutheran, Methodist Church, Presbyterian, The Pentecostal Mission, Seventh-day Adventist, United Evangelical Lutheran

Organisations

The Church of South India (CSI) is a united Protestant Church in India. It is the result of union of a number of Protestant denominations in South India that occurred after the independence of India.[3][6] With a membership of over 4.5 million - 5 million,[7][8][9][10][11] it is the second-largest Christian church based on the number of members in India.

The Church of South India is the successor of a number of Protestant denominations in India, including the four southern dioceses of the Church of India, Burma and Ceylon (Anglican), the South India United Church (Congregationalist, Presbyterian and Continental Reformed), and the southern district of the Methodist Church.[12][13]

The Church of South India is a member of the Anglican Communion, World Methodist Council and World Communion of Reformed Churches.[14][3] It is one of four united Protestant churches in the Anglican Communion, World Methodist Council and World Communion of Reformed Churches, with the others being the Church of North India, the Church of Pakistan, and the Church of Bangladesh.

Being a United Protestant denomination, the inspiration for the Church of South India came from ecumenism and the words of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of John (17.21); as such "That they all may be one" is the motto of the Church of South India.[5]

History[edit | edit source]

Origins[edit | edit source]

Four different church traditions were brought together in the CSI: Anglican, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Methodist. All these churches had been established in India through the missionary work of churches in Europe, America, and Australia, which had started their work in India at different periods from the beginning of the 18th century.

The Church of South India Scheme was the first practical attempt of its kind toward a union, on the basis of the following points enunciated in the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral:

  • The Holy Scripture of the Old and the New Testaments as containing all things necessary to salvation and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith.
  • The Apostles' Creed as the Baptismal Symbol and the Nicene Creed as sufficient statement of the Christian faith.
  • The two sacraments, ordained by Christ Himself — Baptism and the Supper of the Lord — ministered with the unfailing use of Christ's words of Institution and elements ordained by Him.
  • The Historic Episcopate, locally adapted in the methods of its administration to the varying need of the nations and people called of God into the union of His Church.[15][16]

The first three points could be accepted without any controversial question. But the fourth became contentious, as the Anglican Church maintained episcopal polity within the historical episcopate and believed that all its bishops and priests could trace an unbroken line of succession from St. Peter; whereas the rest of the churches in the negotiations conformed to other ecclesiastical polities and did not subscribe to the Anglican views on apostolic succession. After extensive dialogues, an agreement was reached that all who were already ordained in any of the uniting churches would be received as ministers in the united Church; provided all new ordinations after the union, would be conferred by episcopally ordained bishops of the united Church, with the imposition of hands. The intention was to introduce an episcopate in historic succession (from Anglicanism) into the new united Church and to ensure its maintenance in the future, by keeping all subsequent ordinations episcopal.[17][18][19][20][21]

The Church of South India as it exists today came into being with the perseverance and committed efforts of Rev. Vedam Santiago,[citation needed] who for a long period of time took leadership of the SIUC, the South Indian United Churches, which later, with the joint efforts of Rev. V Santiago[citation needed] and Bishop Azariah became the Church of South India.

Formation[edit | edit source]

The Church of South India union ceremony happened at St George's Cathedral in Madras on 27 September 1947, a month after India achieved its independence from the United Kingdom. It was formed from the union of the SIUC, (South India United Church itself a union of churches from the Congregational, Presbyterian and Reformed traditions); the southern provinces of the (Anglican) Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon; and the Methodist Church of South India.[22] The inaugural service was presided by Bishop Rt. Rev. C. K. Jacob, of the Anglican diocese of Travancore and Cochin.[23] As part of it, nine new bishops, drawn from all the traditions, were consecrated to serve with five Anglican bishops already in the office.[23] Each new bishop was ordained with the imposition of hands by the presiding bishop, along with two more Anglican bishops (Rt. Rev. Michael Hollis and Rt. Rev. George Selwyn) and six presbyters from the uniting Churches, also laying hands.[23] This reconciliation of the Anglican views with those of the other uniting denominations, on the doctrine of apostolic succession, realized in the formation of the Church of South India, is often cited as a landmark in the ecumenical movement.[24][25][26][23]

File:Church of South India formation service.jpg

St George's Cathedral

[edit | edit source]

The logo of the Church of South India consists of a Cross superimposed on a stylized Lotus flower depicting split tongue for Holy Spirit in a white backdrop; around which the motto and name of the Church, is embossed.[27] It was designed by J. Vasanthan of the American College, Madurai.

The imposing central position of the Cross denotes the foundation of the Church and its faith, while its four arms of the same length promulgates equality. The Lotus flower, called Pankaj meaning "mud-born" in Sanskrit, has been of great spiritual and symbolic significance in India, since ancient times.[28][29] Its placement in the Logo, proclaims the indigenous nature of the Church of South India and its dependence on the grace of God, just as a Lotus that blooms at sunrise and closes at sunset, depends on the Sun. The stylized rendering, makes the Lotus petals simultaneously depict the fiery split tongues of the Holy Spirit. The motto of the CSI embossed on the logo, which is an excerpt of Jesus's prayer in John 17:21, is used as an inclusive affirmation of the need for the unity of all people.[30][27][31]

Beliefs and practices[edit | edit source]

The Church of South India is a Trinitarian Church that draws from the traditions and heritage of its constituent denominations. The Church accepts the Chalcedonian Christological Definition,[32][33] as well as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. Both creeds are included in the Church liturgy as the profession of faith.[34][35] The Church practices infant baptism for children born in Christian homes and adult or believer's baptism for others. Baptized children are members of the church and share in the privileges and obligations of membership so far as they are capable of doing so.[36][37]

The Church of South India practices the rite of Confirmation, by which the confirmands (those being confirmed) upon profession of their Christian faith, obtain confirmation of their baptisms and thereafter, get to partake fully in the privileges and obligations associated with Church membership. Secondarily, this is also a coming of age ceremony. Confirmation is almost always administered by a Bishop with the imposition of hands and occasionally by a Presbyter who is authorized to confirm.[34][38][39]

Capital punishment[edit | edit source]

The Church of South India opposes the death penalty.[40]

Women's ordination[edit | edit source]

The CSI recommended the ordination of women to the priesthood in 1972.[41] Since 1984, the CSI has ordained women to the priesthood.[42] In 2013, the CSI consecrated its first female bishop, Eggoni Pushpalalitha.[43][44] The Church of South India, since 1984, has allowed women's ordination.[42] Additionally, "it has taken up issues of gender, dalits and landlessness."[42][45][46][47]

LGBTQIA+ Ordination and Beliefs[edit | edit source]

Many dioceses of the CSI church have confirmed that transgender persons may be ordained as clergy.[48] On transgender issues, the Diocese of Madras has a ministry specifically for transgender people.[49] In 2012, the denomination invited a transgender pastor to preach.[50]

In 2016, a seminary affiliated with the CSI offered a seminar on LGBT issues. "The Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary in Madurai held a two-hour seminar on gender and sexuality..."[51] Bishops and other clergy have supported LGBTQ inclusion through the church's publication, CSI Life.[52][53][54][55][56][57]

The National Council of Churches in India, of which the CSI is a member, supported the legalization of consensual same-sex relationships in India.[58][59]

In 2015, St. Mark's Cathedral, Bangalore hosted an event, co-led by the Rev. Vincent Rajkumar, aimed at denouncing homophobia.[60] CSI clergy, working with the National Council of Churches in India also co-led a consultation speaking out against homophobia.[61] The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) listed the Church of South India as being among the Anglican provinces open to blessing same-sex couples.[62][63]

Liturgy[edit | edit source]

The CSI Synod Liturgical Congress has developed several new orders for worship for different occasions.[64] The order for the Communion service, known as the CSI Liturgy, has been internationally acclaimed as an important model for new liturgies. The committee has also produced three different cycles of lectionaries for daily Bible readings and "propers", and collects for Communion services. In addition, the committee has also brought out a supplement to the Book of Common Worship.[64] Cherishing the reformation principle of worship in the native language, the CSI liturgy and church services are completely in the vernacular, in all the different South Indian states and Northern Sri Lanka, which comprise its ecclesiastical province.[65][66][67]

Observances and festivals[edit | edit source]

The important observances and festivals include Lent (including its first day, Ash Wednesday), Passion Week, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Thursday, Pentecost, Lammas and Christmas.[68]

Constitution[edit | edit source]

The Constitution of the CSI is the key document that governs the administration and management of the church. It comprises 14 chapters detailing rules for the functioning of the Church at every level, from local congregations to the pastorate, dioceses and the Synod.[69] The most important part of the CSI Constitution is "The Governing Principles of the Church" which sets out 21 governing principles on which the other chapters of the Constitution and the rules contained therein rest. While amending any part of the Constitution can be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Synod, amending the Governing Principles requires a three-fourths majority.[70]

Ecumenism[edit | edit source]

As a united Protestant Church, the Church of South Indian is a member of the World Methodist Council, as well as the World Communion of Reformed Churches; as a constituent member of the Anglican Communion its bishops participate in the Lambeth Conferences.[3] It also has representation in the Anglican Consultative Council.[3] Consequently, the CSI is in full communion with the Old Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht[71][72] and the Philippine Independent Catholic Church.[73] It is a member of the World Council of Churches, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, Christian Conference of Asia and the National Council of Churches in India. Through the Communion of Churches in India, it is also in partnership and full communion with the Church of North India and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church.

The Church of South India maintains close partnerships with the Church of Scotland, Episcopal Church of the United States, Methodist Church of Great Britain, Presbyterian Church in Korea, Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea, Presbyterian Church of India, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ and the Uniting Church in Australia.[74]

Administration[edit | edit source]

The church accepts the Lambeth Quadrilateral as its basis and recognises the historical episcopate in its constitutional form.[75] Like Anglican and most other episcopal Churches, the ministry of the Church of South India is structured with three holy orders of bishops, priests and deacons.[76][77][78]

Synod[edit | edit source]

Main article: Church of South India Synod

The church is governed by a synod based in Chennai and headed by a presiding bishop bearing the title of Moderator, who is elected every three years. The officers were elected for a three-year term at the Synod meeting. The present officers of the synod are The Rt. Rev. K. Reuben Mark, Deputy Moderator & Moderator in-charge, CSI, Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary, CSI, B. Vimal Sukumar, Hon.Treasurer, CSI.

The church runs 2,300 schools, 150 colleges and 104 hospitals in South India. In the 1960s the church became conscious of its social responsibility and started organising rural development projects. There are 50 such projects all over India, 50 training centres for young people and 600 residential hostels for a total of 50,000 children.[5]

Dioceses[edit | edit source]

The church is further divided into twenty-six dioceses, each under the supervision of a bishop, including one diocese encompassing Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The dioceses are governed by diocesan councils composed of all clergy in the diocese as well as lay people elected from the local congregations.[79] Each church will have representation in diocesan council based on their membership. The diocese is headed by the Bishop, who is a presbyter elected through the Diocesan Council. He is considered as the head of the diocese and all the institutions belonging to the diocese. Other than the Bishop, the following are the important administrative posts of each diocese:

  • Clergy Secretary: Manages all the activities of the pastoral & evangelical workers in the diocese
  • Lay Secretary: Manages all the lay workers' activities in the diocese
  • Educational Secretary: Manages all educational institutions and the workers of those institutions
  • Diocesan Treasurer: Manages all the income and expenditures of the diocese.

The Diocesan Council also consists of Diocesan Executive Committee, Diocesan Standing Committee, and Pastorate Committee.

Name Headquarters Location Bishop
(The Right Reverend)
Krishna-Godavari Diocese Machilipatnam Andhra Pradesh T. George Cornelious
Nandyal Diocese Nandyal K. Santhosh Prasanna Rao
Rayalaseema Diocese Kadapa P. Issac Vara Prasad
Dornakal Diocese Dornakal Telangana K. Padmarao
Medak Diocese Medak Moderator's Commissary
Karimnagar Diocese Karimnagar K. Reuben Mark
Karnataka Central Diocese Bangalore Karnataka Vincent Vinod Kumar
Karnataka Northern Diocese Dharwad Martin C Borgai
Karnataka Southern Diocese Mangalore HemaChandra Kumar
East Kerala Diocese Melukavu Kerala VS Francis
Cochin Diocese Kochi Kurian Peter
Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese Kollam Jose George
Madhya Kerala Diocese Kottayam Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian
Malabar Diocese Kozhikode Royce Manoj Kumar Victor
South Kerala Diocese Trivandrum Moderator's Commissary
Coimbatore Diocese Coimbatore Tamil Nadu S. Prince Calvin
Erode-Salem Diocese Salem A. Jacob Livingston (died)
Kanyakumari Diocese Nagercoil S. Christopher Vijayan
Madras Diocese Chennai Paul Francis Ravichandran
Madurai-Ramnad Diocese Madurai Jeyasingh Prince Prabhakaran
Thoothukudi-Nazareth Diocese Thoothukudi Moderator's Commissary
Tirunelveli Diocese Tirunelveli A.R.G.S.T. Barnabas
Trichy-Tanjore Diocese Tiruchirappalli S. Samuel Rajadurai
Vellore Diocese Vellore Sharma Nithiyanandam
Jaffna Diocese Jaffna Sri Lanka Veluppillai Pathmathyalan
Church of South India Dioceses and headquarters.
Church of South India Dioceses and headquarters.

Affiliations[edit | edit source]

Theological education[edit | edit source]

The church recognizes theological degrees granted by institutions affiliated with the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore College. These include:

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "History". Church of South India. 2010. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020. 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 23 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.
  2. ↑ Watkins, Keith (3 November 2014). The American Church that Might Have Been: A History of the Consultation on Church Union. Wipf and Stock Publishers. pp. 14–15. ISBN 978-1-63087-744-6. The Church of South India created a polity that recognized Episcopal, Presbyterian, and Congregational elements and developed a book of worship that bridged the liturgical traditions that came into this new church. It set up a plan by which existing ministries were accepted while including processes which would lead to the time, a generation later, when all ministers would have been ordained by bishops in apostolic succession. The Church of South India was important as a prototype for a new American church because two factors had come together: the cross-confessional nature of its constituent parts and the intention to be, in effect, the Protestant Christian presence in communities all across the southern territories of its nation.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Church of South India". World Methodist Council. 9 November 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2020. The Church of South India is a United Church that came into existence on 27 September 1947. The churches that came into the union were the Anglican Church, the Methodist Church, and the South India United Church (a union in 1904 of the Presbyterian and Congregational churches). Later the Basel Mission Churches in South India also joined the Union. The Church of South India is the first example in church history of the union of Episcopal and non-Episcopal churches, and is thus one of the early pioneers of the ecumenical movement. The CSI strives to maintain fellowship with all those branches of the church which the uniting churches enjoyed before the union. It is a member of the World Methodist Council, the Anglican Consultative Council, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Council for World Mission, and the Association of Missions and Churches in South West Germany.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Team, CWM Communications (7 March 2018). "Member Church Feature: Church of South India (CSI)". Council for World Mission. Archived from the original on 11 April 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Church of South India International Resource Center". CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan. 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2013.
  6. ↑ Author:Sushil Mittal, Gene Thursby -Religions of South Asia: An Introduction
  7. ↑ "CSI Holy Trinity Church, Albany, NY - Church of South India". www.csialbany.org. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  8. ↑ "CSI Malabar Diocese". csidioceseofmalabar.com. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  9. ↑ Team, CWM Communications (11 October 2022). "Church of South India celebrates 75th anniversary, calls for an end to discrimination against the casteless - Council for World Mission". Archived from the original on 19 May 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
  10. ↑ "The Church". allsaintscsi. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
  11. ↑ Conger, George (31 October 2016). "Church of South India facing a constitutional crisis". Anglican Ink © 2025. Retrieved 23 December 2025.
  12. ↑ Shelley, Bruce (10 December 2013). Church History in Plain Language: Fourth Edition. Zondervan Academic. ISBN 978-1-4016-7685-8. Outside the United States the most significant merger was the Church of South India, formed in 1947 through the union of three religious bodies: the Anglican Church of India, Burma and Ceylon; the South India Province of the Methodist Church; and the South India United Church, itself the result of a movement that brought Presbyterian, Congregational, and Dutch Reformed bodies into the union.
  13. ↑ "oikoumene.org". Oikoumene.org. January 1948. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
  14. ↑ "The Church of North India (United)". Anglican Communion Office. Retrieved 17 September 2018. Along with the Church of South India, the Church of Pakistan, and the Church of Bangladesh, it [the Church of a North India] is one of the four United Churches.
  15. ↑ Davidson, Randall Thomas (1920). The five Lambeth Conferences. London : S.P.C.K.
  16. ↑ "The historic episcopate in Anglican ecclesiology the esse perspective". Consensus. 12 (1). 1986. ISSN 2369-2685.
  17. ↑ "Lausanne, Lambeth and South India, by N.P. Williams (1930)". Anglicanhistory.org.
  18. ↑ "Some Comments on the South India Scheme". Anglicanhistory.org.
  19. ↑ "Church of South India". Oxford Reference.
  20. ↑ "The Lambeth Conference and the Union of Churches in South India. --". biblehub.com.
  21. ↑ "Church of South India Contributes to Anglican Communion". anglicannews.org.
  22. ↑ "Anglican Communion official website – The Church of South India (United)". Retrieved 21 June 2008.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 "The Order of Service for the Inauguration of Church Union in South India (1947)". Anglicanhistory.org.
  24. ↑ "'A Church Is Born' Records, 1947 – 1948 Church of South India Inauguration" (PDF) – via The Burke Library Archives.
  25. ↑ "The Church of South India and Reunion in England" (PDF). Biblicalstudies.org.uk.
  26. ↑ "The Historic Episcopate in the Light of South Indian Experience" (PDF). Churchsociety.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "CSI SYNOD". csisynod.com. Archived from the original on 8 February 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  28. ↑ "The Lotus Flower". Facts about Hindu Religion. 2 September 2011.
  29. ↑ "Lotus Flower, Hindu Sacred Flower, Lotus Flower Symbolism". lotussculpture.com.
  30. ↑ "CSI Logo". Melbourne CSI Church. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  31. ↑ "Church of South India". csiseafordchurch.org. 4 March 2021.
  32. ↑ Bindley, T. Herbert (Thomas Herbert) (1899). "The oecumenical documents of the faith [microform]. The creed of Nicaea. Three epistles of Cyril. The tome of Leo. The Chalcedonian definition". London : Methuen & Co.
  33. ↑ "Chalcedonian Definition". Episcopal Church. 22 May 2012.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Beliefs and Practices". redeemercsichurch.org. Archived from the original on 7 April 2023. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
  35. ↑ "CSI Order of Service" (PDF). CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan.
  36. ↑ "Holy Baptism of Infants (CSI)" (PDF). CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan.
  37. ↑ "Holy Baptism of Persons Able to Answer for Themselves (CSI)" (PDF). CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan.
  38. ↑ "An Order of Service for the Reception of Baptized Persons into the Full Fellowship of the Church Commonly Called Confirmation (CSI)" (PDF). CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan.
  39. ↑ "Confirmation". ReligionFacts.
  40. ↑ "CSI SYNOD". csisynod.com. Archived from the original on 30 March 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  41. ↑ "Can woman serve as pastor or ordained priest?". MorungExpress. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 M G Radhakrishnan (26 September 2011). "Rising cases of sexual abuse within the church in Kerala force clergy to rethink on homosexuality". India Today. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  43. ↑ ACNS staff. "Church of South India appoints first female bishop". episcopaldigitalnetwork.com. Episcopal Digital Network. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  44. ↑ "Meet India's first woman Bishop". NDTV.com. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
  45. ↑ Paul, Cithara. "Protestants support gay rights". The Daily Telegraph. Kolkota. Retrieved 12 January 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  46. ↑ deepak. "Church pressed to rethink and embrace the LGBT community". efionline.org. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
  47. ↑ Today, Christian. "Church pressed to rethink and embrace the LGBT community". Christian Today. Archived from the original on 29 January 2018. Retrieved 29 January 2018.
  48. ↑ "CSI to ordain transgender a priest". The Hindu. 6 February 2012. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  49. ↑ "Church of South India | CSI Chennai Diocese | CSI Diocese of Madras". www.csimadrasdiocese.org. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  50. ↑ "Transgender in a fix over spiritual path - Times of India". The Times of India. 7 February 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2016.
  51. ↑ "Awesome! This Tamil Nadu seminary is teaching pastors to accept the LGBT community". The News Minute. 15 July 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  52. ↑ Francis, V.S. (December 2023). "Finding Space for the Prince of Peace" (PDF). CSI Life. XXI (12): 8 – via Church of South India.
  53. ↑ Singh, Peter (May 2023). "Promise & Transformation by the Holy Spirit" (PDF). CSI Life. XXI (5): 5–8 – via Church of South India.
  54. ↑ Kumar, Sunil (March 2023). "THE CROSS : FORGIVING, ACCEPTING, LIBERATING AND RESTORING CHRIST". CSI Life. XXI (3): 5–6 – via Church of South India.
  55. ↑ Palanna, Samuel (November 2022). "The Ethics of the Covenantal Open Church Amidst the Challenges of the Contractual Open World" (PDF). CSI Life. XX (11): 5–8 – via Church of South India.
  56. ↑ Stephen, Alfred (September 2022). "Mission Statement, Mission Priorities and Mission Consultation" (PDF). CSI Life. XX (9): 4–5 – via Church of South India.
  57. ↑ John, Maxcin (July 2022). "Theological Education An Eye of a Reader, Tongue of a Teacher and Ears of a Servant" (PDF). CSI Life. XX (7): 24 – via Church of South India.
  58. ↑ "Protestants cool with verdict on homosexuality". India Today. 4 August 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  59. ↑ voltaire (23 January 2018). "India's National Council of Churches Advocates for Repeal of Section 377 - Singapore News". The Independent Singapore News. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  60. ↑ Silthou, Makepeace. "A Theological Challenge to Christian Homophobia". The Wire. Archived from the original on 11 December 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  61. ↑ "International Consultation on Church and Homophobia". Joseph N. Goh. 8 December 2014. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  62. ↑ "Church split over homosexuality would be a failure - Welby". BBC News. 11 January 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  63. ↑ "സവവരഗ രതിയം വിവാഹവം: ആംഗലികകന കമയണിയനില ഭിനനത രകഷം". sanghamam.com. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2017.
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 "Church of South India Liturgy: CSI Order of Services". CSI Congregation of Great Lakes, Michigan.
  65. ↑ "Where worship began with Canarese hymns". The New Indian Express. 19 January 2017.
  66. ↑ "Book of Common Prayer in Tamil (1885)". justus.anglican.org.
  67. ↑ "Anglicans Online: Books of Common Prayer". anglicansonline.org.
  68. ↑ Comparative Religion For Dummies. For Dummies. 2011. ISBN 9781118052273. This is the day Lent begins. Christians go to church to pray and have a cross drawn in ashes on their foreheads. The ashes drawn on ancient tradition represent repentance before God. The holiday is part of Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Episcopalian liturgies, among others
  69. ↑ "Constitution". redeemercsichurch.org. Archived from the original on 26 April 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
  70. ↑ The Constitution of the Church of South India. Christian Literature Society. 1952.
  71. ↑ "Old Catholic Church in the United States". Old Catholic Confederation.
  72. ↑ "Old-Catholic churches". World Council of Churches.
  73. ↑ "Anglican Communion: Churches in Communion". Anglican Communion Website.
  74. ↑ "CSI 1947". csi1947.com. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
  75. ↑ "World Council of Churches – The Church of South India". Archived from the original on 11 June 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2008.
  76. ↑ Packer, J. I. "The Church of South India and Reunion in England" (PDF). The Churchman.
  77. ↑ "Final Action on the Church of South India by General Convention 1958". 24 July 2018. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
  78. ↑ "Orders for the Ordination of Deacons/Deaconesses; The Ordination of Presbyters; The Consecration of Bishops" (PDF). Church of South India: Congregation of Dallas. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  79. ↑ "About Kanyakumari Diocese". Archived from the original on 27 August 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2008.

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