India
Chethana
Joining Hands network in South India
News
2015 peacemaker from India to talk of hope, empowerment during U.S. visit
Background
Presbyterian work in India began in 1834. The PC(USA) now works through mission personnel, Young Adult Volunteers and partner church relationships. Special ministries include ministries to street children, HIV/AIDS and social justice programs. Other mission emphases include parish ministries, social, health and community development, unity and ecumenical relations, education, children’s ministries and evangelism. The church has had a significant and invaluable impact on the Dalit community and promoting harmony in this richly diverse cultural and religious nation.
The PC(USA) also joins with its partners in these ministries: church development/redevelopment, food aid, higher education, human rights advocacy, hunger, leadership development, ministry to minorities, theological education, women’s work and youth ministries.
Challenges faced by the church in India include growing interreligious tensions, ethnic violence, exploitation and discrimination based on caste and gender, inequitable distribution of wealth, poverty, overcrowded conditions and limitations of medical infrastructure.
India Partner Churches
Church of North India (CNI)
The CNI is a union of six churches that came into being in 1970 with Reformed emphasis and Episcopalian system. The area covers the whole of northern India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep archipelago. It is a symbol of unity and social action.
Church of South India (CSI)
The CSI is the first union of Episcopalian and non-Episcopalian churches, which took place in 1947. Together with the Church of North India, it has been taking a leading role in promoting Christian unity and ecumenical relations.
The Mizoram Synod of Presbyterian Church of India
The Mizoram Synod is very evangelistic and missionary-minded. The Welsh type revival of early 20th century still continues. Its primary focus is outreach.
Presbyterian Church of India (PCI)
The only typical Presbyterian denomination in India, the PCI traces its origin to the Welsh Presbyterian Church Mission and is concentrated mainly in the northeastern states. Insurgent underground groups have been active in all except one of the seven states in northeast India, and the church has an important role to play in promoting peace and harmony. Its primary mission focuses are evangelism and church development.
India Partner Organizations
The National Council of Churches of India Emmanuel Hospital
Association of India Christian Medical Association of India
Henry Martin Institute, Hyderabad, an interfaith center
Presbytery Partnerships
Grace Presbytery
Sacramento Presbytery
India Mission Network
- For information contact David Van Dam
The India Mission Network is among more than 40 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.
Learn more about India
Visit the BBC country profile.
See the 2016 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study,
