REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF AGRA CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA

Transcription

1 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF AGRA CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA A brief Report of Diocese of Agra to place before 15 th Ordinary Meeting of the Synod of the Church of North India to be held on 1 ST October 2014 to 4 th October 2014 at Sherwood College, Nainital. Greetings to you all from the Diocese of Agra, CNI. By taking this privilege to place this report of Diocese of Agra, I give thanks to the Lord God Almighty for making us a part of the Diocese of Agra which consists of 49 Pastorates with 39 Male and 3 Female Pastors among communicant members, 26 Evangelists, 51 Educational Institutions and 4 Health care Hospitals. The Diocese of Agra covers western U.P and Uttarakhand from Kanpur to Nainital having eight Deaneries. After bifurcation on 9 th April 1976 from the Diocese of Lucknow the Diocese of Agra has seen many ups and downs but its holistic development has never stopped and it is moving ahead day by day as a body of Christ. The Diocese of Agra in its Eighteenth Diocesan Council held at Agra from 23 rd October, 2012 to 26 th October, 2012 adopted for the second decade of the 21 st Century ( ) all the priorities of the CNI as adopted by the Synod in its 14 th Ordinary meeting held in October,2011. The Diocese has been striving to simultaneously work on all the priorities in the same order of preferences in which they are listed below. 1. Evangelism and Spiritual Renewal:- The first and the most significant priority of the Diocese of Agra for the decade is Evangelism and Spiritual Renewal. The Diocese has twenty four full time evangelists and the diocese has reached out to five new mission fields in the last three years. Immense emphasis is laid out for the capacity building of ordained ministries, lay evangelists and other lay leaders through a series of carefully planned Pastor s conferences, refresher courses and training collegiums, which are held usually on annual basis. This emphasis is further driven forward by a number of youth retreats, Vacation Bible Schools, Bible Studies and prayer cells, family retreats and annual youth, WFCS and rural Church conferences at the diocesan level. Certain Pastorates have been encouraged to conduct alpha courses and various initiatives have been taken at pastorate levels. The Diocese of Agra has bought one Acre of land for the construction of a Church in Thakurdwara, Moradabad. Every Sunday around 800 believers and seekers from other faith gather for the morning worship. 2. Congregational Renewal:- In order to achieve the Second priority of Congregational Renewal, there has been top-down approach to constantly imitate, within the corporate life of the Church, the missiological principles embodied in the life of Jesus. The DBSS and RBHS, in addition to various initiatives at the pastorate level, seek to reach out in service of the marginalized, oppressed and sick through their various projects. Various workshops on holistic mission - 1 -

2 and advocacy have been conducted to broaden the theological understanding and build the capacities of lay-members to serve the wider communities. The effort is miniscule, given the enormity of the challenge, but the awareness-building is being done in an incessant manner. 3. Education for Liberation and Social Inclusion:- In order to achieve the third diocesan priority of Education for Liberation and Social Inclusion, the diocese aims at strengthening the Sunday school movement. Various VBS, Sunday School Teachers Training Programmes and Children s assembly have been conducted to strengthen the Sunday school movement and strengthen the value base of our future generation. New educational institutions have been opened to provide education for emancipation and propagation of Christian values. In spite of many challenges, the diocese continues with the hostel ministry. A programme for career guidance and counseling has also been initiated to enable the youth to make effective contribution to the mainstream society. 4. Building Communities of Healing and Reconciliation:- In order to work towards the fourth diocesan priority of Building Communities of Healing and Reconciliation, many new initiatives have been taken by the diocesan hospitals and the schools of nursing to make their ministry more relevant in addressing the health needs of the communities in which they are located. The hospitals have been empanelled under RSBY, which further enables them in effectively fulfilling their mission of extending their services to the marginalized sections of the Society. Recently Christian Hospital Kasganj has inaugurated well equipped first ever I.C.U and N.I.C.U in Kasganj and nearby Districts on 15 th March 2014 by The Rt. Revd. Dr. P.P Habil, Bishop of Agra and Mr. Masoom Ali Sarwar, District Magistrate, Kasganj. The School of Nursing and the Institute of Paramedical Sciences of Christian Hospital, Kasganj conducted the Capping, Coating and lamp lighting Ceremony of the Batch academic year on 18 th January 2014 at the play ground, Christian Hospital, Kasganj. On this occasion The Rt. Revd. Dr. P.P Habil Bishop of Agra, Diocese made his presence to bless the students and staff. RBHS and WFCS have taken various initiatives in empowering women by creating opportunities of self-employment and create greater awareness of issues related to gender justice. Various churches and Institutions have sponsored and participated in inter-faith dialogue and initiatives for common action to heal the wounds of acrimonious past and contribute towards the creation of a more harmonious society. Various intra-faith and inter-faith initiatives for peace, harmony and brotherhood at large have been supported. 5. Strengthening Rural Congregation, Dalits, Oppressed & Marginalized people for livelihood and Fullness of Life:- In order to respond effectively to the Fifth priority to strengthen the Rural Congregation, Dalits, Oppressed & Marginalized people the Diocese, through DBSS has engaged in various advocacy activities to express its solidarity with Dalits and other marginalized sections of the society. It seeks to empower them by helping the people to have access to government schemes such as MNREGA, RSBY, Widow Pension, Old Age Pension, Rural - 2 -

3 Housing Grants, Kanya Dhan Yojna and so on. DBSS organized a three days workshop from to for the Evangelists who are working among the rural congregation to provide them the understanding of Social work as per the Moral and Principles of Bible. Through this workshop they were able to get the information about various government Schemes which would enable them to serve their ministry as per the biblical and Social aspect in their areas. On 11 th December, 2013, a large contingent of members of the Diocese of Agra, under the leadership of their Bishop the Rt. Revd. Dr. P.P Habil, participated in a public procession, jointly led by NCCI and CBCI, to demand the reservation for Dalit Christians. 6. Stewardship of all resources, Transparency, accountability and Holistic Development:- In order to address the sixth priority of Stewardship of all Resources, Transparency, accountability and Holistic Development, the Diocese has appointed a full-time Stewardship Director to create awareness within the Congregations on the issues to Total Stewardship. The Pastorates have organized a number of Stewardship workshops and observed stewardship Sundays. The Diocese seeks to maintain the systems that promote transparency and accountability at all levels. It considers itself as A Steward of God s human and material resources and consistently takes many initiatives to develop them. As discussed in response to the earlier question, we, in the last three years, have seen many initiatives, in various aspects of the ministry of the diocese, bringing forth tangible results. In the last three years the existing ministries have been further consolidated and new initiatives have opened avenues of responding to various hitherto unaddressed needs and a deeper engagement with manifold aspects of God s mission. The greatest struggle has been to create a vibrant spiritual life and missional commitment in many sections of the congregation, who are afflicted with apathy and indifference. Fake litigation, bogus claims by impostors have been big distractions and have led to a huge waste of human and financial resources. We need to grow as church in our commitment to total stewardship, acknowledging God as the sole owner of our lives, talents and material resources. Our great challenge is to transform ourselves entirely from the mode of survival to expecting great things from God and working towards it with all our strength. Challenges:- 1. The greatest challenge ahead is to continually find the people of outstanding commitment, integrity and talents to serve as Presbyters, Deacons, Evangelist and to serve in the various other ministries of the Church. 2. In spite of some breakthroughs in the areas of Evangelism, there is a great need of greater involvement in Evangelism and Church Planting. 3. The greater involvement of lay members in fulfilling the mission of the Church has to be sought. The members should not come to church to expect some material benefits but to participate in the larger mission of God and invest their talents and resources into it

4 4. The governmental interference in the aided institutions is a great concern. It sometimes even results in the spread of corrupt practices prevalent in government departments. 5. Create endowments for hostel ministry, social service and medical services. 6. There are many Bogus so called Bishops and Trust Secretaries moving around with a criminal intent to fraudulently sell-off the diocesan properties. Their activities have led to increase litigation and diverting off of our resources from investment in growth and development. 7. As the lease of various Church and Institutional lands has expired or is expiring, the Diocese is obligated to buy acres of Nazul land at market rates. The Diocese of Agra is trying to fulfill the mission priorities of Church of North India for the decade and the vision shown by the Late Rt. Rev. S. R. Cutting who went to be with the Lord on 8th May The Diocese placed on record its tributes for his life and ministry and his invaluable contributions to the Diocese of Agra in his capacity as Presbyter; Secretary A.D.T.A; Secretary Diocese of Agra and as our Bishop and also his contributions at the Synodical Level. At the end I would like to thank God almighty under his shelter and protection we are marching ahead. Under humble and able leadership of our Bishop, the Rt. Revd. Dr. P.P Habil the Bishop of Agra Diocese is finding its ways to fulfill the mission priority set by the Synod of Church of North India. Humbly Submitted. (Revd. Santosh Pandey) Counter Signed. Diocesan Secretary Diocese of Agra (CNI) The Rt. Revd. Dr. P.P Habil Bishop, Diocese of Agra (CNI) - 4 -

5 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF AMRITSAR CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese : DIOCESE OF AMRITSAR No. of Congregations : Rural 35 Semi Urban 3 Urban 13 No. of Ordained Pastors : Male 43 Female 11 No. of Total Members : 57,000 No. of Communicant Members : 20,000 No. of Institutions : Educational 12 Health 05 Which are the priorities you have identified from CNI priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement of your Diocese for last three years? The Diocese of Amritsar has identified the following priorities from CNI Mission Priorities. 1. Evangelism and spiritual revival 2. Congregational renewal 3. Restructuring the structure 4. Education for liberation and social inclusion 5. Building communities of healing and reconciliation 6. Protection of Life and livelihood for the fullness of life. What has been the main highlight of your work in this area (from the ones you have picked up)? The main highlight of diocesan work is as follows: Diamond Jubilee & Chetna Yatras: The first Masihi Chetna Yatra (Christian Awareness Movement) was organized from 9 15 December, About 51 villages in the Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran districts participated in this massive Christmas Carol programme. This Movement was initiated in the MSS (Majha) area. Fresh from the celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Diocese in February 2013 highlighted by the Chetna Yatra through the villages of Punjab joined by thousands of workers and partners from all over the world to a convention on World Peace addressed by the Governor of Punjab Shri. Shiv Raj Patil and noted speakers from all over the country, the jubilee was truly a time for thanking God for His blessings. The Third Masihi Chatna Yatra (Christian Awareness Movement) was organized from 9 12, December It was a four days event in Majha Area (Ajnala, Fathegarh Churiyan, Batala, Tarn Taran and Khem Karan) of the Diocese of Amritsar. Bishop Pradeep Kumar Samantaroy - 5 -

6 elucidated the meaning and purpose of the Masihi Chetna Yatra as a spiritual revival of our congregations. He also encouraged the people to leave behind the worldly ways of life. The yatra started from the Diocesan Headquarters, Amritsar, went through villages and towns to share the love of God for humanity and to motivate them to follow Jesus. Mission & Evangelism: Senior recently retired Rev. Chander Mani Khanna has rejoined the Diocese to work among the Diocesan Teams specially the clergy to help understand its Vision, Mission and Evangelism. Ministerial Work in the Diocese of Amritsar: The Ministerial Committee under the Chairmanship of the Rt. Rev. P.K. Samantaroy and Secretarial responsible by Rev. Ayub Daniel, has been meeting the challenges of the huge task of clergy management, organizing Theological and Ministerial workshops among all the Presbyters, associate Presbyters, Deacons and Evangelists and other workers of Diocese at all levels. Thus the Ministerial Committee occupies a vital position in the Diocese of Amritsar to continuously help the Diocesan workers in understanding the Vision and the Mission of the Diocese and giving it a practical shape. Enrichment of Theological understand among Diocesan Workers There is an effort to continuously upgrade the level of theological education among the Presbyters and workers of the Diocese and many have completed M.Th. and BD and number of are in process of completing their studies. Rev. Mushtaq Malk and Rev. Pulak Samantaroy completed Master s in Theology. Rev. Ashanand, Dn. Monica and Dn. Rajni Bala completed their Bachelor in Divinity. Rev. Sandeep Kumar and Rev. Stephan are pursuing Bachelor in Divinity. SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PEOPLE: For the development of our community, we had emphasised that we shall try to look into and develop the following: 1. History of the Diocese to trace our roots 2. Develop leadership in the Church 3. Develop Vocational Trainings in the Rural Areas Work is being done in our Institutions and Churches to identify children s nurture and prepare them for future creative leadership. We are glad to report that the survey of Christian Community has been done in rural areas of Majjha Region. SEDP(Socio Economic Development Program): The SEDP under the Leadership of Mr. Daniel B. Das who was picked up by former Bishop Dr. Anand Chandu Lal and Late Mrs. Amrit Chandu Lal for this enormous social work in the Diocese of Amritsar has been associated with the struggles and grass root level work in rural areas of Punjab & Himachal Pradesh since its inception. Mr. Alwan Masih, General Secretary, CNI Synod made huge contribution in reviving the SEDP - 6 -

7 Recently the survey of membership in the Diocese (Rural, Semi-Urban and Urban) has been taken up by SEDP in a big way. This data will help in diocesan work in future. Survey of Membership in the Diocese of Amritsar: As directed by the last Diocesan Council the Survey of Membership in the Diocese of Amritsar is being undertaken by SEDP under the leadership of Mr. Daniel B. Das, Hon ble Director, SEDP. Rev. Vidya Sagar has been engaged to tabulate and analyze the data collected by the surveyors from 36 villages in 3 Districts. The process is expected to be completed this year. An interim report is being presented separately. Education Project for Rural Areas: Our Partners have been helping in the reconstruction of the Diocese through building Churches, Church Houses, Supporting projects through out the vast land of the Diocese of Amritsar. The education project for the Disadvantaged children in Punjab is helping in 20 villages. Serving 837 Children, many more villages are expected to be added to this vital project. The Kangra Girls Home & Palampur Boys Home The Kangra Girls Home & the Palampur Boys Home have been revived with support from our partners and the CNI Synod involvement through PDS (Parent + Diocese + Synod) participation. Institutional Developments: In the last few trienniums there has been an upward trend in widening the area and volume of service to the people of the region through educational and health care services. Large scale development works are in progress throughout the Diocese in our institutions at Batala, Palampur, Shimla, Amritsar and Srinagar etc. Health Care: The Health care service in HP, Punjab and J&K are adding social projects in backward areas where people are most needy. Community Health Care Work: Community Health Care Work is progressing well specially in area of Tuberculosis awareness and Aids awareness through projects such as EkalNari (Single Women) and MCS (Mother and Children) projects in the Tarn Taran area of Punjab. Dr. David Reichhardt & Dr. Mrs. Lena Reichhardt The partners from Australia are involved with helping in Lady Welingdon Hospital, Manali, have started a tour of the Diocese to acquaint themselves with the work in the Diocese of Amritsar. Dr. David is an eco-theologian and Dr. Lena a mother and child consultant. The 24th Ordinary Meeting of the Diocesan Council which was held from 9-12 November 2011 at Alexandra School was a historic council as we pledged to transform from a Receiving People - 7 -

8 to a Giving and Sharing Diocese. Theme of the DC was kept aptly as To Give Is Better than to Receive and the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Pradeep Kumar Samantaroy in his Keynote address emphasised the need for this transformation of the people and the Diocese as a whole. In our 25 th Diocesan Council which was held from 3 6 June, 2014 in Auckland House School, Shimla, Rt. Rev. P.K. Samantaroy gave his Key note address based on the theme Moving Ahead in Unity for Witness and Service. He challenged the delegates to come out of legalism and to make the church more inclusive and hospitable. He further emphasized that the foundational Christian teaching should not be diluted to appease the entertainment seeking people. What have been the achievements and successes? Achievements and Success: Regional Conferences The four regional conferences namely Dhauladhar, Srikhand, Majha & Peerpanjal. The Diocesan Youth Fellowship is actively involved in the mission and ministry of the Diocese. The Diocesan Women Fellowship for Christian Service is actively involved in the mission and ministry of the Diocese. To address poverty issues. Identifying Christian Children for future leadership. Institutions are requested to give reason for denying Admission. It is a mission of the Diocese of Amritsar that every child in the diocese should get proper education in the institution of the diocese. The Diocesan Education Project for Disadvantaged Children is working to cater this need. The workers of the (Socio Economic Development Program) SEDP under the guidance of Mr. Daniel B Das are working to sensitize issues among the Dalits to make them aware of their rights and also to mobilize them to fight against the oppressive structure of the society. Hostel work had stopped because help from KNH stopped. Now with the help of DOSTANA an Australian group which is generating funds for Kangra Girls Hostel. At present there are thirty students and hope to reach the target of 50 soon. Palampur Boys Hostel has now been taken over by St. Paul s Sr. Sec. School, Palampur. Some Diocesan members have personally committed to help with a hope to see the number touches 50. It is our responsibility to take care of our children and not solely depend on our partners. Presbyter in charge to encouraged the participation of elders in Church worship. Clergy and Diocesan workers are encouraged to learn modern means of communication

9 To introduce pension scheme in the Diocese and the scheme is related to Synod. To be responsible for upkeep and development of Church properties through Church committees. Churches are focusing on the mission and evangelism and also directed to make the Church Services more meaningful and the congregation participates actively. What are the challenges ahead? The Challenges Ahead for the Diocese are: F To see the diocese self-reliance, F To provide education to every child of the diocese, F To prepare the second line leadership, F To make a strategy to deal with self style bishops and land mafia, F To encourage the workers to use the modern means of communication, F Anti Social and Anti Church elements are challenge too before the diocese, F To see the holistic development in all the segment of the Diocese

10 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF BARRACKPORE CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese: DIOCESE OF BARRACKPORE No. of Congregations: Rural : 79 Urban : 30 No. of Ordained Pastors: Male : 54 Female : 01 No. of Total Members: Male : Female : No. of Communicant Members: Male : Female : 9900 No. of Institutions: Educational : 63 Health: NA Child Care: 12 Which are the priorities you have identified from CNI priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement of your Diocese for last three years? 1. Evangelism and spiritual revival. 2. Congregational renewal. 3. Restructuring the structure. 4. Educational for liberation and social inclusion. 5. Protection of life and livelihood for the fullness of life. What has been the main highlight of your work in this area (from the ones you have picked up)? The evangelical work is continued with the combined endeavor of the Christian Life Mission and Evangelism Committee and the Stewardship Committee. We do not spend any fund from the Diocese for this work: but we collect thanksgiving offering from every home while the team visits it and average contributions come to the Diocesan funds around Rs. 1,00, Revival meeting is held in every Church after visiting every home by day and in the evening to revive the Churches of our Diocese (109 Churches). Spiritual life of the members is strengthen and their giving is also increasing every year. 1. Restructuring the structure : Our stewardship committee visits different pastorates and train people on how to maintain the financial accounts of the Church. They also train people on how willing they should be towards Church donations. Our Diocese has also helped many weaker Dioceses financially. 2. Education for liberation and social inclusion: Our Diocese has established many English Medium Schools in urban and rural areas so that people in such areas can also have an access for education. We have sent Our pastors to many workshops in different places to guide them and to help them to improve their theological and other knowledge. We have also helped many needy who are from within the Diocese and also from outside by providing them educational assistance like books, School fees, examination fees, uniform, special coaching etc

11 3. Protection of life and livelihood for the fullness of life: We provide fund to old people incapable of working and those who don t have any one to care for. We support them financially so that they can at least have their daily basic needs in the name of the Lord. Through our residential hostels and childcare projects we help the needy children to be developed and protected from evil forces and through our DBSS and SEDP we try to concretize marginalize people/ subaltern people group regarding their right and their livelihood. What have been the achievements and successes? We came to know practically that all the resources we possess in our Diocese are nor ours: but all are from God. Having these vision in our Diocese we have built-up partnership with the following Dioceses: 1. North East India 2. Phulbani 3. Sambalpur 4. Chattishgarh And so far we have spent an amount of Rs. 150,000,00/- and we have discovered that more we share with others God will give us more from above. We learnt from story of talent that if we cannot be developed, our Master Will not be satisfied with us. So, for the development of educational field we have established 25 new Schools in our Diocese to impart right type of education to the present generation, so that our children may become good citizens of India. Spiritual revival are also coming in the life of people those who attend the great revival meeting normally held in the month of February at Maliapota, Nadia District within the jurisdiction of our Diocese. Many couples without child have got children after they offered prayer in the meeting. Our Sunday School department, Youth and Women s fellowship are also contributing in the life of the Diocese through their activities. Many Dioceses do not find candidate for theological training but we never lack it. We do not received any foreign fund but we generate fund locally within our Diocese, with the blessing of our almighty God. So far we have provided with job for 450 members of CNI. What have been the struggles and failures? The failures were minimum. The regretting part was that after helping some pastorates there was no feedback or any acknowledgement. What are the challenges ahead? The challenges are to make the Barrackpore Diocese better. To restore historical Churches is a great challenge ahead of us. Our Lord Jesus has given us the great commission which is recorded in Matthew 28: He asked each one of us to go to every Nation, and make them His disciples. This is the greatest challenge ahead of us

12 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF BHOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese : DIOCESE OF BHOPAL No. of the Congregation : Rural 28 Urban 14 No. of Ordained Pastors : Male 28 Female 02 No. of Total members : Between No. of Communicant Members : Between No. of Institution : Educational 13 Health 08 Child care ( Hostels ) 08 Which are the Priorities you have identified from CNI Priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement of your Diocese for last three Years? I. Rejuvenating pastoral Ministry II. Upbringing of the ministry in village areas III. To form a missionary congregation IV. To train to laity for ministry of witness and service V. Focus on Healing Ministry VI. Equipping Gods people for participatory learning process What has been the main highlight of your work in this area (from the one you have picked up )? I. To rediscover the identity and unity of CNI : The Bhopal Diocese has faced many problems in unity since the CNI formed. Some senior people who took initiative to join the CNI, turned towards Ex. Malwa Church Council as they did not get benefit of their self interest. Some Institutions and retrenched Pastors who become angry with Diocesan Authorities, they also turned Ex- Malwa Church Council. Thus the Bhopal Diocese have achieved a big target to reunite the people of the churches and churches are strong in unity towards CNI. Whenever necessary we have taken necessary step against dissident people who tried to misled and misguide the people against CNI and Diocese. II. To build worshiping communities with adequate Pastoral Care : There are 42 congregation in the Diocese and we thanks to our Lord that we have able to give proper pastoral care for each congregation and in every congregation we have given pastors. Conducting Seminars and retreat for the pastors and Deacons. Conducting Bible study programmes and workshop, help the laity to understand CNI constitution, faith and order of Church of North India and CNI liturgy

13 III. Mobilizing resources from congregation for the support of the presbyter and Deacons. IV. We are encouraging to people of God for stewardship activities. What have been the achievements and successes? I. Merger of One more church in Diocese of Bhopal, CNI. II. In last three year many Spiritual Revival Meetings were held successfully in urban and rural congregation. National and International Speakers were invited to deliver the speech on spiritual revival. Congregations blessed by the word of God and congregation uplifted in spiritual way. III. IV. Regular Retreat Programmes were arranged for fellowship, uplifted and experience of the Presbyters, Deacons, Evangelists and Lay Leaders. We had also successfull done retreat and workshop for Secretary and Treasurer of the pastorates and Head of the Institutions. Churches giving has been increased and churches are participating more willingly in Diocesan Programmes. Churches are willingly sending their 50% central fund regularly to Diocese. V. Constructed New Church buildings and pastor s house at different areas in the Diocese. VI. We did so many programmes, workshop for Youth, Women and Sunday School children in last three years and organized Diocesan youth festival on Diocesan level therefore church life and activities of all the congregation have increased in many folds. VII. Church membership is increasing day by day and many new members have taken membership in the CNI Churches. What have been the struggles and failures? I. Properties related court cases : The trusts properties are on different places. The Diocese is trying its best to use these properties for the benefit of Churches but some dissident group, selfish element, bhumafias are creating lot of problems therefore Diocese is facing more then 30 court cases at different court at different places. II. III. IV. Christian College Indore: Efforts are being made to bring the College under control of CNI. Financial crisis due to number of court cases against protection of properties of various Trusts because we depend only on the assessment of the churches, we have no other financial sources and that amount in not sufficient to attain the requirement. The best three hospitals of our Diocese were closed in the past few years because Diocese is not able to look after the matter of these hospitals; the reason behind that is they are under the management of CRBHS that s why downfall happened in front of our sight and our hearts are broken for this. V. The Institutional buildings, Churches buildings have outlived their utility and need heavy repairs, renovation. What are the challenges ahead? I. Ministry of Service: To help the marginalized communities for access to service, education,

14 II. III. social and health care through different wings and institution of CNI Synod and the Diocese. Healing Communities: India is a bast country of different religion, castes, culture. Each religion has its own ritual faith and festivals. Each religion consider itself superior than other religion. This feeling has been created distance and misunderstanding among the people in our country; therefore to create Healing Communities through Inter faith and Inter Faith initiatives for common action. Equipping God people for the participatory Learning process: The Church is witness that from every beginning the laity has been the witness of our Lord Jesus Christ in the church, without support of laity church is incomplete hence to train laity for ministry of witness and service. Involving the entire Diocese in the life & mission of the Church. IV. Properties lease renewal matter. V. Court cases regarding Properties. Save the properties from dissident group. VI. Reconstruction of old Churches and parsonages. VII. Strengthening Diocese Financially. VIII. Building relationship between the Pastorates, Diocese and Synod IX. To maintain the CNI motto Unity, Witness and Service. X. Open and renew Closed hospitals. XI. Changing Hindi medium school in English medium and to start new schools in the Diocese. XII. Improve salary scale of the presbyters and make endowment fund for the presbyters' salary. Rev. Manoj Charan Secretary Diocese of Bhopal, CNI Rt. Rev. Robert Ali Bishop Diocese of Bhopal, CNI

15 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF BOMBAY CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese: DIOCESE OF BOMBAY No. of Congregations: Rural 7 Urban 64 No. of Ordained Pastors: Male 55 Female 1 No. of Total Members: Male 45,000 Female 32,000 No. of Communicant Members: Male 43,000 Female 30,000 No. of Institutions: Educational 5 Health - Nil Child Care 1 Which are the priorities you have identified from CNI priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement of your Diocese for last three years? 1. Evangelism and Spiritual Revival 2. Restructuring the structure 3. Protection of life and livelihood for the fullness of life What has been the main highlight of your work in this area (from the ones you have picked up)? 1. Especially the study of the Word, among the youth and women s fellowship 2. Assisting the weaker Dioceses with funds for mission work, providing assistance towards water supply during drought. The Marathwada Diocese and Nasik Diocese were the beneficiaries. 3. Holistic Mission among tribal and rural communities What have been the achievements and successes? 1. Families and Youth developing a Christian Life Style 2. Unity, Witness and Service practiced at Inter-Diocesan Level 3. Marked improvement in life and life style among the tribal and rural communities What have been the struggles and failures? 1. Pluralistic Society and Peer Pressure among the youth community has affected their productivity in Christian Life and in witnessing

16 2. To go beyond financial support and to put a face to our giving 3. Harvest is ripe, laborers, are few. What are the challenges ahead? 1. Active and meaningful participation of youth and woman in the life of the Church 2. Creating resources of self-help in the neighbouring dioceses. 3. To put the Mission Centre at Palghar and the Centre at Karjat to the best use for Mission purposes

17 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF CALCUTTA CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese: DIOCESE OF CALCUTTA No. of Congregations: Rural 5 Urban 32 Total 37 No. of Ordained Pastors: Male 39 Female 2 Total 41 No. of Total Members: Male Female 7439 Total No. of Communicant Members: Male 8839 Female 6075 Total No. of Institutions: Educational 28 Health 5 Child Care 4 GEOGRAPHY CNI Calcutta Diocese spans across the municipal limits of Kolkata, Hooghly and Howrah districts of West Bengal in India and Geonkhali in the district of Midnapore (East). HISTORY One of the oldest dioceses in the Church of North India, it has a rich ecumenical history and legacy of 200 years, since its initiation in 1814 under the banner of the then Church of India, Pakistan, Burma & Ceylon with The Rt. Revd. Thomas F. Middleton as its first Metropolitan. In 1970, the diocese came under the umbrella of the Church of North India, which is a united and uniting church. The Rt. Revd. Joseph Amritanand was its first CNI Bishop. Our Priorities from CNI Priorities for Rejuvenating Pastoral Ministry Ministry of Service Solidarity with Subaltern Equipping God s People for Participatory Learning Process Main Highlights of our work Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. KJV: John 20:27 The main idea was to reach out. Reaching out to the congregation; making them believe and exchanging ideas to ensure more participation from them. The people responded and that is what will help us to reach our goal :- To bring Glory to the God!

18 Rejuvenating Pastoral Ministry More young people are interested in serving the Church; Church giving has increased - both cash and kind; Pastorates are participating more willingly in Diocesan endeavours and programmes; The leadership is becoming more pro-active; Ministry of Service The Church is continuously engaged in running second schools for the marginalised. These schools are being run by Churches and Institutions after the normal school hours. There are Seva Clinics and Day Care Centres where the common people of all caste, creed and religion are extended medical care, mostly free of cost or at a nominal affordable cost after the Sunday Worship Services or on weekdays. The Diocese is engaged in running of Arunima Hospice (a care Centre for HIV infected and affected people) along with T.B. Clinic and full-fledged T.B. Hospital; Solidarity with subaltern Organising protest meetings; dharnas to express our solidarity with the victims of injustice, communal abuse/conflicts. Networking with like-minded organisations to develop suitable platform to render assistance to victims of domestic violence, child abuse, children with learning disabilities and to helpless Senior Citizens. Mobilising all sections of the Diocese Women, Youth, Children and Senior Citizens in creating a unified movement. Equipping God s people for Participatory Learning Process Encouraging people to attend Lay People s Courses; Creating windows for Lay People serving and preaching during Sunday Worship Services; Organising workshops/seminars on Bible Study and understanding; Creating action groups with combination of Presbyters and Lay People to respond to the need of the Diocese and the society at large. Struggles and Failures A careful study of the Bible reveals that most of the great figures of Scripture experienced failure at one time or another, yet those failures did not keep them from effective service for God. This was true of Abraham, Moses, Elijah, David, and Peter. Though they failed at some point, and often in significant ways, they not only recovered from their failure, but they used it as a tool of growth they learned from their failure, confessed it to God, and were often able to be used in even mightier ways. As an active Diocese as well as a participating and responsive Diocese, we occassionaly face some obstacles in motivating a small section of the people in taking part in various endeavours of the Diocese but at the same time we are maintaining a healthy dialogue with them to make

19 them understand the importance of giving and participating for the ultimate Glory of God! Challenges ahead. The Minority status of the Church; Identifying the talents and resources of the Diocese; Climate change, natural disaster, threat of terrorism and war; Lack of taking the liberating gospel in practice to the suffering, dalit, children and less initiative in fighting for justice with respect to the marginalised; General lack of Scriptural, theological, contextual reflection among the Christian community; Future Plans to carry forward the Mission of God The Diocese is formulating concrete steps in accomplishing the following agenda to fulfil the priorities of CNI in the context of Mission of God:- Evangelical & Social Obligation Human Rights & Humane Works Family Bonding & Fellowship Economic sustenance Safeguarding the Environment Promotion of Justice and Peace Main Programmes organised by the Diocese to equip the Congregation Regular Clergy Chapters for keeping the Clergy updated and involved in Diocesan activities, promoting and strengthening inter-personal fellowship and spending time in prayer and meditation. Clergy Refresher Course to equip the Clergy to face challenges of Pastoral Ministry and updating them in the latest developments in Ecclesiastical and secular field to provide contextual and relevant preaching/teaching to their congregation. Encouraging Bible study groups to reach the Unreached both within and outside the Church with special emphasis on the Youth. Organising Sunday School Teachers Training to equip the teachers to impart effective teaching to the children Interaction with the Lay People for identifying Church Resources and putting them into prudent use as a step towards self-reliance. VISION To see Presbyters and Lay Leaders spiritually developed and equipped in Christian leadership Skills and ministering to the spiritual needs and social obligation of the Church and the communities at large according to Kingdom of God principles of Love, obedience, discipleship, stewardship and transformational integration

20 MISSION To establish and restore the individual Church on solid Biblical foundations and patterns of worship, to train and equip Clergy and Lay People to be effective in their area of calling in order to impact their communities. Initiatives taken to build the capacity of Pastors and Mission Workers National & International Exposure Sending them for Higher Studies Management courses for the Pastors Supporting them with Free Education for their children Involving them in different projects of the Diocese inculcating in them a sense of ownership. What can CNI SYNOD expect from our Diocese Our Diocese can be an active partner with CNI SYNOD towards pursuing its mission and ministry on the following platforms:- WOMEN CHILDREN YOUTH HEALTH EDUCATION MINORITY MATTERS Activities of the different specialised ministries of our Diocese WOMEN Organised various programmes on human rights; domestic violence; bible study; environmental awareness; concern for the aged and lonely. YOUTH Organised contextual Bible Study, seminar on environmental issues, career counselling, interpastorate cricket/football tournaments. CHILDREN/SUNDAY SCHOOL Vacation Bible School; Talent Search; Sunday School Rally, Teachers Training OLD AGE & HEALTH Free Clinics; Health check-up camps. MINORITY DESK Facilitation of Educational Scholarships, Loans for business and facilitation of Other Backward

21 Class ( OBC ) certificates for congregation members. Different Organisations under the Diocese working with the same objective Cathedral Relief Service Cathedral Social Service La Martiniere SEOMP Society Arunima Hospice Sister Florence College of Nursing Calcutta Diocesan T.B. Relief Trust ( Outdoor Clinic ) St. Thomas T.B. Home, Bantra

22 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF CHANDIGARH CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese: DIOCESE OF CHANDIGARH No. of Congregations Rural 164 Urban 19 No. of Ordained Pastors: Male 53 Female 03 No. of Total members: 26,100 both male & female No. of communicant members: Male 15, 100 Female 11,000 No. of Institutions : Educational 13 Hospital - 1 Hostel - 2 Which are the priorities you have identified from CNI priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement of your Diocese for last three years? - Congregational Renewal - Evangelism and Spiritual Revival What has been the main highlight of your work in this area (from the ones you have picked up)? I. Education Secular, Professional Trainings, Christian & Theological Education. 1. Providing Education to poor and needy Christian through P.D.S. started two Hostels at Pathankot & Dhariwal. 2. Identified candidates for Theological training are being equipped to be sent for the Training. -one candidate has been already sent to Bishop s College, Kolkata for B.D. & one for M.Th at United Theological College, Bangalore. II. Strengthening Children ministry 1. Annual Sunday School Camps have been organized at Diocesan level. 2. Training of Trainers for Sunday School Teachers was organized from 7 th -9 th June, 2014 at Diocesan office, Brown Road, Ludhiana. 3. CNI Sunday School Syllabus is being translated in Punjabi for Rural Pastorates of the Diocese. III. Strengthening Youth Ministry 1. Diocesan & Zonal Youth Camps have been organized annually. 2. Diocesan Youth Committee has been elected to organize Youth Fellowship in all the Congregations of the Diocese. IV. Strengthening W.F.C.S. in the Diocese A very active and organized Diocesan WFCS is

23 working. They organized all programmes in the Diocese had been instructed & guided by Synodical WFCS and also participated in all programmes organized by the Synodical WFCS. They also participate in the Diocesan Evangelistic programmes. V. Strengthening Congregations by Evangelism:- 1. Evangelistic teams have been formed and working in Rural & Urban areas of the Congregations. 2. More than 25 congregations have been revived by special Evangelical programmes in the Diocese. 3. Every year Conventions are being organized at Diocese, Zonal and Pastorate level. There is a great Revival in the Congregations through these Conventions. VI. Refresher Course & Seminars for the Clergy 1. Refresher Course for the Diocesan Presbyters was organized from 14 th 17 th August, 2013 at Diocesan Office, Ludhiana. 2. Christian Leadership Seminar for Ordained Presbyters of the Diocese held from 26 th 29 th May, 2014 at Diocesan office, Brown Road, Ludhiana conducted by Haggai Institute. What have been achievement and successes? - Built New Church buildings at Kharar, Dhindsa, SaraiKhas and Suranussi - Built New Pastor Houses at Malerkotla, Dehriwal Kiran, Dhariwal Khichian, Ball and Tibber - To Start new hostel at Dhariwal. - Purchased new Tempo-Traveller equipped with Instruments for Evangelistic work. - Gained Cooperation & support of local Congregations and Diocesan Institutions. - Declared & settled Court Cases in favour of the Diocese. The following court cases have been declared & settled in favour of the Diocese:- Hoshiarpur 1. UCNIPS V/s Surinder Paul & others 2. UCNIPS V/s Rockus Sandhu & Others 3. State V/s Patras Masih others 4. State V/s Ashok Kumar & others Ludhiana 1. Jamil Masih V/s Bishop Joel V. Mal & others 2. New Khalsa Cycle Store V/s UCNITA Criminal Case 1. Joel V. Mal & others V/s State of Pb. & others - settled

24 Contempt 1. UCNIPS V/s Bishop Mal Prem Sharda 2. UCNIPS V/s Prem Sharda & others 3. Veenus V/s H. Malaki & others Settled 1. Afzal Choudhary V/s C.B. Lal & others 2. UCNITA V/s Afzal Choudhary & others 3. Afzal Choudhary & Others V/s UCNIPS through its Moderator/Secretary, 2252, Issa Nagri, Ludhiana. 4. Ajmer Masih V/s Jordan Masih 5. Afzal Masih V/s Bishop J.V. Mal & others 6. Afzal Masih V/s Bishop J.V. Mal & others 7. Afzal Masih V/s Bishop J.V. Mal, Mr. Simon Mal & others. What have been the struggles and failures? - Financial crises due to number of Court cases against protection of property of various trusts. - UCNI & other dissident groups are creating problems by selling property and falsely filed Civil & Criminal court cases against the Diocesan personnel s. What are the challenges ahead? - Huge Expenditure on Court Cases, illegal possession of Church/Trust properties by the so called UCNI & others. - Need theologically trained Pastors. These things are the basic challenges to fulfill the Mission of God. The Rt. Revd. Younas Massey Bishop

25 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF CHHATTISGARH CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese: DIOCESE OF CHHATTISGARH No. of Congregations: Rural 04 Urban 29 No. of Ordained Pastors: Male 31 Female 01 No. of Total Members: Male 9283 Female 9662 No. of Communicant Members: Male 7253 Female 8179 No. of Institutions: Educational 13 Health 04 Child Care 4 Health institution in the Diocese of Chhattisgarh are autonomous body Which are the priorities you have identified from CNI priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement of your Diocese for last three years? The diocese of Chhattisgarh has identified first two CNI priorities as the priorities of the Mission Engagement of our Diocese. The Diocese has initiated to reach out the people with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ within its jurisdiction. What has been the main highlight of your work in this area (from the ones you have picked up)? 1. Revival meetings have been organized in local congregations and also in central places. 2. Orientations of Evangelists are being organized for effective evangelism. 3. New Mission fields have started. 4. Retreat, Seminars and workshops for Presbyters and Lay leaders are being organized. What have been the achievements and successes? 1. New Mission fields have been started. 2. New Churches have been planted. 3. Some Churches have taken up faith revival programme as the regular feature of the Church. 4. Church members are encouraged for Evangelism and social development. What have been the struggles and failures? 1. The traditional attitude of the Church. 2. Members are complacent within the system. 3. Lack of understanding of the Great commission of Jesus Christ among the Church leaders. 4. Social and economic condition of the Church members

26 What are the challenges ahead? 1. The enforcement of the Anti Conversion Bill, the fundamental outfits like VHP, RSS, Bajrang Dal have been always a threat. 2. To train up all ordained ministers and church leaders for effective evangelism. 3. To make each pastorate self reliant for regular church programmes and small projects for members and community. 4. Stewardship campaign in the Diocese

27 REPORT OF THE DIOCESE OF CHOTANAGPUR CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA Name of the Diocese : DIOCESE OF CHOTANAGPUR No. of Congregations/Pastorates : Rural 23 Urban 34 No. of Ordained Pastors : Male 78 Female Nil No. of Total Members : Male Female No. of Communicant Members : Male Female No. of Institutions : Educational 102 Health 06 Child Care 16 Which are the priorities you have identified from CNI priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement of your Diocese for last three years? The following are the priorities that the Diocese of Chotanagpur has identified from CNI priorities ( ) as the priorities of Mission Engagement for last three years :- 1. Evangelism and Spiritual Revival Spiritual revival within worshipping communities Renewal of commitment for discipleship and evangelism Inculcating a spirituality rooted in prayer, fasting, offering, reflection and action 2. Congregational renewal Broadening the vision and mission of pastoral praxis towards service of the marginalized, oppressed and vulnerable Developing theologies, liturgies and lectionaries rooted in context of local congregation 3. Restructuring the structure Transparency, accountability and responsibility Devolution of hierarchical power and authority Financial accountability at all levels Stewardship of resources including God s whole creation Equipping weaker dioceses for holistic development 4. Education for liberation and social inclusion Contextually relevant theological education for laity, clergy and bishops Value based education at all levels