CHURCH HISTORY
CSI History
The Church of South India (CSI) was formed through the union of churches from diverse Christian traditions, including Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Reformed, and Presbyterian. After many years of careful discussion and negotiation, the Church was officially inaugurated in September 1947.
The CSI is organised into dioceses, each under the spiritual leadership of a bishop. The Church is governed by a Synod, which elects a Moderator (Presiding Bishop) every two years. This structure brings together episcopal leadership with synodical governance, recognising that episcopal, presbyterian, and congregational traditions are all essential to the life and mission of the Church.
The Holy Scriptures are upheld as the supreme authority in matters of faith and practice. The historic Christian creeds are accepted as faithful interpretations of biblical teaching, and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are observed as sacred and binding obligations.
As the largest Protestant church in India, the CSI expresses its faith through Indian culture and spirituality. The Church also stands in solidarity with the marginalised and voiceless, advocating for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.
The mission of the CSI includes proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, responding to human need through institutional and emergency relief efforts, promoting community development, and providing skill-training programmes for disadvantaged and marginalised communities, while actively caring for God’s creation.
The Church of South India is both a united and a uniting Church, moving forward with a dynamic vision for the Communion of Churches in India. The CSI, along with the Church of North India and the Mar Thoma Church, is already part of this communion and continues to engage in wider ecumenical relationships to bear witness to the One Lord, Jesus Christ.
Vision
The Church of South India (CSI) affirms that the purpose of its union is to fulfil the priestly prayer of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church: “That they all may be one, and that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
The Church of South India seeks to be an effective instrument of God’s mission, fostering greater peace, deeper fellowship, and a fuller life within the Church. Through this vision, the CSI is committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and deed, renewing its dedication to God’s mission in the world.
Mission
The Church of South India affirms that the Church is the servant of God, carrying out a mission rooted in Jesus Christ and grounded in the Holy Scriptures. Through its mission, the Church expresses solidarity with broken and marginalised communities, offering new hope as they face the challenges of life.
The Cross continues to stand as the sign of hope for the witnessing Church, which strives for Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation, serving as a vibrant channel of God’s grace and love.
CSI Parish Manchester History
The CSI (Church of South India) Manchester congregation is part of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom. Formal fellowship was established on 21 September 2014 to cater to the spiritual needs of South Indian Christians living in the Midlands and North West regions.
The congregation originated from a shared desire to worship in the Malayalam language using the traditional CSI liturgy. Regular worship services and fellowship activities were organised to strengthen faith, preserve cultural identity, and build a supportive church community.
The formation of the Manchester fellowship followed the establishment of CSI congregations in London (2007) and Belfast (2008). The Midlands, Sheffield, and Manchester fellowship was created to foster unity among CSI members, nurture spiritual growth, and encourage the younger generation to actively participate in church life.
Worship services are conducted in Malayalam, faithfully adhering to the traditions and liturgical practices of the CSI Diocese of Madhya Kerala. The congregation places strong emphasis on family participation, youth engagement, and pastoral care.
In April 2024, the CSI Manchester Congregation organised its first-ever Vacation Bible School, marking a significant milestone in the life of the parish and reflecting a growing and active community.
While centred in the Manchester area, the congregation functions as part of a wider fellowship encompassing the Midlands, Sheffield, and Manchester, under the umbrella of CSI diaspora initiatives. The church continues to serve as a vital spiritual and cultural connection for South Indian Christian families, focusing on worship, fellowship, and community building.