About

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The Church of South India (CSI) is a unique and pioneering Christian denomination formed on 27th September 1947, in St. George’s Cathedral, Madras (now Chennai), India. It was created through the union of several Protestant denominations, including:

Anglican (Church of England)

Methodist

Congregational

Presbyterian

Reformed churches

This historic merger made the CSI the first united church in the world that brought together Episcopal and non-Episcopal traditions, symbolising unity among diverse Protestant traditions in the spirit of ecumenism.

Origins and Background

The vision of a united Indian church began taking shape in the early 20th century when missionaries and Indian church leaders recognized the need for a stronger and more unified Christian witness in India. Conversations began in 1919 and culminated after decades of theological negotiations and organizational planning.

The union was not merely structural but also spiritual — built upon the belief that diversity can exist within unity, and that the church should reflect local culture while maintaining core Christian doctrine.

Structure and Governance

The CSI follows an episcopal system of governance with bishops overseeing dioceses, similar to the Anglican tradition. However, it also integrates Presbyterian and Methodist forms of governance, making its structure a blend of various traditions. The Synod is the highest decision-making body, and the Moderator is the spiritual leader of the church.

Mission and Ministry

From its inception, the CSI has focused on:

Evangelism and pastoral care

Education and healthcare

Social justice and development

Ecumenical cooperation

Women’s and youth empowerment

It runs hundreds of schools, colleges, hospitals, and community development programs across South India.

Present-Day CSI

Today, the CSI is one of the largest Protestant denominations in India, with:

24 dioceses

Over 4 million members.

It is also a member of the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Communion, and the National Council of Churches in India. 

The CSI (Church of South India) Church in Manchester is a vibrant Christian community rooted in the rich spiritual traditions of the Church of South India, and serving the Malayalee Christian diaspora in the Greater Manchester region and surrounding areas.

The church in Manchester was established by a group of Malayalee Christians from Kerala, India, who had moved to the UK for work, study, or family. These believers, though far from home, longed for a place to worship in their own language and tradition, according to the liturgy and theology of the Church of South India.

In response to this need, regular fellowship gatherings began in the early 2000s, which gradually evolved into a structured worship service. With the support of the CSI Synod in India and coordination with the Diocese of North America and Europe, the CSI Manchester congregation was formally established.

The church is affiliated with the CSI North American and European Diocese and operates under the spiritual leadership and guidance of the Bishop in charge. Over the years, the congregation has grown steadily, drawing members not only from Manchester but also from nearby cities like Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Bolton, Newcastle, York, and Preston.

The CSI Manchester Church offers Holy Communion services in Malayalam, following the CSI liturgy, and places strong emphasis on Scripture, sacraments, fellowship, and service.

The church is active in:

• Worship services and special festival observances (Christmas, Easter, Harvest, Passion Week, etc.)
   
• Sunday School for children to grow in biblical knowledge and faith
   
• Women's Fellowship (WFCS) and Youth Fellowship (YF)
   
• Prayer meetings and Bible studies
   
• Charitable outreach and support for missions both locally and in India
• Church Choir
• Youth Movement
   

The church has also built strong ecumenical ties with other local Indian and British churches and participates in joint worship events and community programs.

The mission of CSI Manchester is to:

• Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ
   
• Preserve the spiritual and liturgical heritage of the Church of South India
   
• Foster Christian fellowship among the South Indian community in the UK
   
• Serve the wider society through love, charity, and active witness