Interfaith Communities Dream a World Without Persons with Disabilities

Report of the Interfaith Round Table on Disability held on  25^th August 2016 at Tamilnadu Theological Seminary

The National Council of Churches in India - Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (NCCI – IDEA) and World Vision India joined the Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Tamilnadu Christian Council, Engage Disability, Christian Service Agency, Church of South India – Diocese of Madurai–Ramnad and the Madurai Interfaith Initiative in organizing an ‘Interfaith Round Table on Disability’ on 25^th August 2016 at Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, Madurai on the theme “Faith Journey Together Towards Inclusive Communities’.  

70 faith practitioners from different faith backgrounds including clerics, lay leaders, students of theology, philosophy, secular studies, research scholars, theological and secular educators, social and development workers and representatives from different interfaith initiatives participated in this round table representing the major faiths including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Dalit, Folk and also Secular Ideologies.

The round table started with a  Buddhist prayer by monks. Rev. Dr. Kanagu Nelson welcomed the gathering. The Coordinators shared greetings from Rt. Rev. Dr. M Joseph, Bishop CSI Diocese of Madurai – Ramnad and Dr. Esther Kathiroli, Secretary Tamilnadu Christian Council. Rev. Dr. David Rajendran, Principal, Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, inaugurated the Round Table by joining different faith representatives in lighting the ‘kuthu vilakku’. Rev. R. Christopher Rajkumar (NCCI) and Dr. Christopher Baskaran (World Vision India) shared  greetings from NCCI and World Vision and introduced the round table.

Rev. Dr. David Rajendran, in his inaugural address informed the participants that the entire Christian world is getting ready to commemorate 500 years of Martin Luther’s Reformation in 2017. 500 years ago the ‘reformation movement’ questioned and countered the oppressive and discriminating faith practices of that time and the reformation helped the adherents to get away from oppressive components in their faith journey. He further called upon the faith communities to work towards reformation in contemporary times in order to promote and uphold  inclusive society through our spiritualties, faith expressions and religious practices, and to completely eliminate and eradicate  oppressive and discriminating practices in our societies by expanding the inclusive realm to all the religiously, socially, culturally and historically excluded communities including ‘People with Disabilities’ (PWDs). 

World Social Forum 2016. "Another world is needed: Together it is possible"

The World Social Forum (WSF) 2016, scheduled to be held in Montreal, Canada from 9th to 14th of August 2016 on the theme “Another World is Needed: Together it is possible”. The goal of the WSF2016 is to gather tens of thousands of people from groups in civil society, organisations and social movements who believe in the construction of a better world. and want to build a sustainable and inclusive world. 

This is to inform you that, the OIKOTREE (joint initiative of WCC, CWM and WCRC) movement is committed to campaigning against the injustices around the globe though various ecumenical pilgrimages for the past over a decade. Now, Oikotree is happy in announcing its participation in the World Social Forum 2016 to raise three key issues in the struggle for building together another world that is needed and possible. These are the questions of “Land”, “A New Epistemology about Life” and “People’s Assembly of the World”. 

For your kind perusal, herewith, we attach the details of the Oikotree Workshops. Some of you may also be present in Montreal. If you are there at WSF, please join the workshops that Oikotree offers to the WSF. If not, please uphold the WSF and the participating organizations in your prayers to renew their commitments to establish and realize the world that is the need of these hours of ours. 

We also request you to share this information with all your colleagues and friends who would be participating in WSF for their reference and Solidarity. 

For more updates please visit their Website (https://fsm2016.org/en/)

Download Workshop flyer here.

Thanking you in anticipation!


Yours in Solidarity,

Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad General Secretary	Rev. Christopher Rajkumar Executive Secretary,  Justice, Peace and Creation
National Council of Churches in India

Report on Two Days Workshop for Caregivers on ‘Modern Approaches to Disability Care’

National Council of Churches in India
Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation
World Vision – India
Engage Disability
Tamilnadu Christian Council

 &
CSI Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad

Two Days Workshop for Caregivers on

‘Modern Approaches to Disability Care’

Date: 16th& 17th April, 2016

Venue: Sachiapuram, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu 

Introduction:

A two-day workshop for Care Givers of People with Disability was held at the Elwin Centre, CSI Deaf School Campus, Sachiyapuram, Sivakasi District in Tamilnadu on 16th and 17th April 2016. 

World Vision India, Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (IDEA), standing forum of National Council of Churches in India, Engage Disability, Tamilnadu Christian Council and CSI Diocese of Madurai and Ramnad, jointly organised this workshop. This workshop module was designed to help the Caregivers and Church Leaders not only to cope with the challenges posed while handling a PWD but also to bring awareness about the modern approaches to disability care.

There were 50 participants representing over 20 care giving organizations from 5 districts, including caregivers from 18 Care-Giving Institutions, Parents and Relatives of PWD accompanied by church leaders.

Inauguration:

The Rev. Jeyasing, Director, Dalit and Social Concerns of the DMR inaugurated this workshop. Rev. M Dayalan Barnabas, Director, ELWYN Centre introduced the workshop, Prof. C Jebasinthai, Correspondent of CSI School for the Mentally Retarded, Satchiyapuram welcomed and Dr. Esther Kathiroli, Secretary of TNCC, greeted and Mr. Allan Benjamin, World Vision, Chennai and Mrs. Avitha Daniel, Jesus Enables Ministries, Chennai, served as the resource persons. Mr. Augustine Ponraj, Co-ordinator Dalit and Social Concerns, CSI DMR proposed the vote of thanks. 

Indian Churches’ Commitment to All Generations: Social Security and the Common Good

Press Note

April 28, 2016, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.

The NCCI – Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation organised a National Consultation on Indian Churches’ Response to Social Security’ from 28 – 30 September 2015 by gaining inspiration from the Church of Sweden and with their accompaniment. The participants of the consultation suggested the formulation of  Social Security Policy Guidelines for the NCCI Member Churches to set a model for the Indian Churches, Church-based Institutions and Ecumenical Organisations.Considering the importance and the need, the said Commission of NCCI developed Social Security Policy Guidelines for the NCCI Member Churches. These guidelines were approved by the Working Committee (vide resolution # WC 2015:40) and adopted by the General Body for implementation (General Body Res. No. 07/GB/201).

The guidelines were printed for circulation, and were adopted and released at the XXVIII Quadrennial Assembly on  28^th April 2016 by the Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, President of NCCI. The first copies were received by Ms. Karin Bodin, Programme Officer and Ms. Hanna Eklund, Programme Officer for India (Designate) of the Church of Sweden and all the Office Bearers of NCCI. Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad introduced the process and the importance of the Policy Guidelines while Rev. Christopher Rajkumar facilitated the release event.

The General Secretary has appealed to all the NCCI Constituent bodies to receive the same in their respective councils and appropriate bodies for approval, adoption and implementation. Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, Executive Secretary of the Commission said, "the Commission would involve in working with NCCI members for official adoption and implementation and also joining working with other Civil Society Organisations and initiatives to work with the Governments and appropriate bodies to process the people-friendly Social Protection Policies and Programmes".

The full version of the Policy Guidelines on Social Security is available at NCCI website <www.nccindia.in>

NCCI Communications

Direct link to document: download the policy guidelines document
(http://www.nccindia.in/images/downloads/Policy Guidelines Social Security.pdf)

A Christian Social Activist titled as'Jewel of India' and 'Mahila Rattan'

Dr. Sasiprabha Stanley a renowned Christian activist bagged two 'National Titles' recently in the fields of social work. 

The International Institute of Education and Management titled her as 'Jewel of India' and the Indian Solidarity Council  has titled her as 'Mahila Rattan' (Diamond Woman) recognising her 35 years of grass-roots holistic development engagements against Poverty,  Malnutrition, and Child Labour, and contribution to Adivasi and Dalit Women, Gender Justice, Girl Child Protection, Rural Child Development, Youth, Child Focused Community Development initiatives, Land, Water, Forest, and Eco-justice initiatives. She has also worked with Church and NGOs for empowerment and development of the marginalised communities.

Dr. Sasiprabha  was on several Government committees and Boards. She was the convener of the District level Non-governmental organizations federation and  served as a Wild Life Warden in Koraput District, Odisha. She also served as the Chairperson of the Women's Desk, Division of Social Action and Treasurer of the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India. She also served as a member of the Council of Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, and of the Board of Directors, Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). Recognising her committed grass-roots activities among the Adivasi and Dalit Women and Children, the Academy of Ecumenical Indian Theology and Church Administration honoured her with Doctor of Divinity under 'honoris causa' in 2004. She was also on the Staff team in the Andhra Pradesh Council of Churches from 1980 -82.

Over 500 School Children walked for Inclusion saying We do not need your ‘Wheel Chair’ but a ‘Space’.

(In commemoration of the International Day of the Persons with Disabilities - 3 December)

Engage Disability,

Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment - IDEA

&

St. Ursula Girls High School and Junior College

Over 500 School Children walked for Inclusion saying

We do not need your ‘Wheel Chair’ but a ‘Space’

2015, 15, December, Nagpur. The St. Ursula Girls High School and Junior College is commemorating the International Day for the Persons with Disabilities on Dec 15 joining the Engage Disability a (National Network of the PWDs), Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (IDEA) a standing forum of National Council of Churches in India, World Vision India (Nagpur), Christian Service Agency and organized a Walkathon with 500 Children from 8 educational institutions including, Seventh Day Adventist Hr. Sec School, Bishop Cotton School in Dharapmpet, Orange City School,  St. Ursula Primary School, Gardener High School,  Bishop Cotton High School - Civil Lines, and St. Ursula Girls High School and St. Ursula Junior College.

NCCI Celebrating Disability Advocacy Sunday

Disability Advocacy Sunday Theme: Inclusive and Accessible Church

Disability Advocacy Sunday (DAS) is observed on a Sunday before Advent Sunday every year since 2011.

DAS…

• is both celebration and challenge. 
• is to celebrate lives and witness of the Persons with Disability (PWDs) amongst us. 
• aims to facilitate the Churches to open their doors to become inclusive, accessible and hospitable to the PWDs to fully participate in the very Life, Mission and Ministers of the Churches. 
• is an opportunity to raise awareness and to find solutions to the physical, architectural, communication and attitude to those with PWDs. 
• is paves ways to the PWDs to participate and lead the worship and liturgies and read scriptures and even ministering the Words of God. 
• is giving a chance for the Churches to review their mission agenda to address the Disability issue differently, creatively and relevantly. 

November 6, 2014 is a bench mark year in the faith journey of the NCCI - Indian Ecumenical Disability Accompaniment (IDEA).

Challenge:
No society and Church could declare that, there are no PWDs in us and among us! If any Church is found without a PWD, the DAS is a good time to examine why that is the Church open and actively seeking to make itself to open to all?

Interfaith Discussion on 'Right to Food and Life'

WCC – Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance

NCCI - Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation & 

Christian Service Agency

INTERFAITH DISCUSSION ON

'Right to Food and Life'

16 October 2015, NCCI Campus, Nagpur

2015 is the International ‘Year of Soils’. October 16th is the International Food Day, October 15 is announced as the International Day for Rural Women and October 17th is the International Day for the eradication of Poverty.  Therefore, the World Council of Churches – Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has initiated The Churches Week of Action on Food (CWAoF). CWAoF provides an opportunity for Churches all over the globe to act and speak together on food justice issues. It is a time to raise awareness about food production and distribution systems, examine our own food consumption, and call for policy changes that will ensure the right to food for everyone. Since NCCI – CJPC has been engaged in raising awareness among the Churches this year it is planning to work with faith communities in raising awareness on Right to Food and Life among the people.

All faiths call us to feed the hungry and care for Creation – this we can do as individuals, as Churches, Temples, Gurudwaras, Mosques and Pagodas and such worshiping places as members of faith communities.

Most of the States around the globe have come up with several policies to ensure ‘No Poverty’ through assuring livelihood securities / protections such as ‘food security’, ‘social protection’ and such policies.   In spite of all these, steady gains against hunger and poverty, today, we witness more than ten present of the population undernourished and go to bed hungry and a quarter is from India (The State of Food Insecurity in the World, 2015).  

Dr. M M Thomas Birth Centennial Public Lecture

2015 is the Birth Centenary year of the late Dr. M. M. Thomas a globally renowned Church Man, Ecumenist, Christian Theologian, Socialist and Humanist. To offer an ecumenical tribute to this great person, the National Council of Churches in India, along with CASA and in partnership with CISRS, ECC and SCMI organized a Dr. M M Thomas Birth Centenary Public Lecture on 24th August 2015 at ECC Bangalore, on the theme ‘Democracy and Inclusive Governance’. 

Youth for Social Justice- Commission on Youth

REPORT ON YOUTH FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE CAMP, BANGALORE

The NCCI-Commission on Youth successfully organized the Youth for Social Justice Camp at Visthar, Bangalore from 3^rd – 7^th August in partnership with NCCI-Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation, International Justice Mission and Visthar. The five days camp was allocated with different social problems – Trafficking, Sexual Minorities, Child Rights and Disability.

NCCI Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment

Consultation on 'Towards Inclusive Society: From Disability Perspective

The National Council of Churches in India's (NCCI) Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (IDEA) joined with the Engage Disability Network (EDN) and Christian Service Agency (CSA) to organize a consultation on 'Towards Inclusive Society: From Disability Perspective" at NCCI Campus on 21st July 2015.

30 participants including persons with disabilities, activists, social workers, pastors, academicians, educators, counselors and students participated in this consultation.

The consultation aimed to come-up with a few collective action plans to work at the grass-root communities to become inclusive by not considering the PWDs as burden or sending them to hostels and homes or make them socially isolated by our attitudes and behaviors including use of derogatory and abusive languages that stigmatize and discriminate the PWDs.

Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad, the General Secretary – NCCI, in his presidential address informed that the NCCI has developed a work place policy  where there will be 'zero discrimination' on the basis of physical fitness, caste, creed, gender and generation in working environment of NCCI. He also suggested that, all the organizations and churches and other religious institutions must have such policies that promotes inclusiveness.

Rev. Amin Kalwale, Pastor at All Saints Cathedral, Nagpur, presented a paper on 'Inclusive Church'. He mentioned that the churches and other faith communities have to be sensitive towards people with special needs and they have to become disable-friendly by  constructing ramps and such.  Also he suggested to develop and produce liturgies and publications considering the PWDs in Braille and other such means of communication.

Ms. Ashrita Bhelwa, an educationalist from St. Ursula Girls High School, Nagpur, informed the participants that, every human has right to schooling including the children with disabilities. She suggested that every school  and educational institution has to be inclusive  not only having and developing disabled-friendly infrastructure but also admitting children from all types of disabilities with all  necessary systems including appointing a teacher who could  communicate using sign language while the other teacher is teaching the same subject in the classroom.  She pointed out such measures would definitely motivate the younger generations to become inclusive in their living environments and in the future also.

Interfaith Dialogue on Child Labour and Child Rights

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN INDIA: PRESS RELEASE

PROGRAMME ON ‘Child Labour and Child Rights’ held

A programme on Interfaith Dialogue on Child Labour and Child Rights was jointly organised by United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India (UELC) Conflict Transformation and Peace-building Programme and the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation recently at the NCCI Campus, Nagpur, on the occasion of International Day against Child labour.

The Programme was chaired by the National Secretary of All India Progressive Forum, Dr. Yugal J. Rayalu, while Dr. Roger Gaikwad, General Secretary NCCI, gave the keynote address. Mr. Samuel Logan from United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India, was present on the dais.

At the beginning of the programme, Mr. Samuel Logan, welcomed all the speakers and the dignitaries present in the programme. He told the gathering that the main aim of this programme was to develop a platform where people of different faith can come together and work towards the rights of Children.

In his Key Note, Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad said that the welfare of children concerns all of us, including the NCCI. It’s focus on poverty, justice and liberation theology involved concern for children. Its engagement with Feminist theology also addressed the plight of girl child, Dalit Theology also included concerns about Dalit children, and so till date, for different Commissions and Ministries of NCCI, children are still an important part of NCCI. As challenges for children are increasing, it is important for us to learn from one another how religions address the issue of child rights and child labour.

Karnataka Christian Council's new Executive Committee formed. Commits to counter fundamentalism.

- Newly Elected Office Bearers of the Karnataka Christian Council -

(L to R) Mr. G D Pushparajan (Treasurer), Rev. Dr. Hubert Watson (Secretary), Rev. Dr. N Jayawant (Vice-President), 
Rt. Rev. Ravikumar Niranjan (Chair) and Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj (President) 

Bangalore, March 26, 2015.

The General Body of the Karnataka Christian Council (KaCC) met on March 26, 2015 at the Unity Building, Bangalore. KaCC  has been significant for many important decisions including unanimously being committed to working  with all Churches against religious fundamentalism and fanaticism.  Rt. Rev. Ravikumar Niranjan, CSI Bishop for Karnataka Northern Diocese chaired the meeting. Rev. Dr. Hubert Watson, the Secretary of the Council presented the activity report. Members representing Churches and institutions from all over Karnataka participated in the meeting and elected new office bearers and Executive Committee Members.

This is the newly elected executive committee of KaCC for the next three years:
Rt. Rev. Mohan Manoraj (CSI Bishop of Karnataka Southern Diocese) unanimously elected as the President of the council; Rev. Dr. N. Jayawant (Methodist Church in India, Bangalore Regional Conference) as the Vice-President ; Rev. Dr. Hubert Watson (Karnataka Theological College) as Secretary; Mr. G D Pushparaj (the Executive Secretary of the CSITA - Karnataka Inter-Diocesan Administrative, Finance and Property Board) as Treasurer. 

NCCI Stands with the Grieving and Suffering Bomb attack Victims in Pakistan

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN INDIA

Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation

PRESS NOTE

NCCI Stands with the Grieving and Suffering Bomb attack Victims in Pakistan

Nagpur, March 16, 2015: The National Council of Churches in India expresses its deep shock and painful concern over the continuous attack on innocent public, including Christians, in Pakistan.

As reported by the Media at least 70 people were injured and 15 lost their lives to these inhuman assassinations yesterday ( 15 March 2015) in a Catholic Church and the Christ Church in Youhanabad near Lahore City, where Christians have lived together for years in amity and peace.

The NCCI considers these assaults not merely as attacks on public and innocent citizens of Pakistan, but rather as intentional attacks on 'Pakistan’ itself'.

Homage to Justice Dr. V. R. Krishna Iyer

Justice Dr. V. R. Krishna Iyer (November 1, 1915 – December 4, 2014)

The National Council of Churches in India is deeply saddened by the demise of the world renowned and a genuine Indian Human Right defender Honourable Justice. Dr. V. R. Krishna Iyer.

Dr. V R Krishna Iyer was socially sensitized and spiritually kindled judiciary and a moral rebel against human injustice. He was a peace lover and a visionary.   

WCC - Theological Consultation on 'Economy of Life'

World Council of Churches

Theological Consultation on 'Economy of Life'

27 - 30 October 2014, CSI Guest House, Chennai, India

The Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), joining the Board of Diaconal Ministries of the Church of South India (CSI) Synod hosted the World Council of Churches' (WCC) Theological Consultation on 'Economy of Life' from 27 - 30 October 2014 at CSI Guest House in Chennai, India.

40 participants representing different geo-political landscapes and peoples' groups, global and contextual theological and ecumenical fraternities, civil society  movements, christian churches and local congregations, interfaith communities and ecumenical movements from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America actively participated in the consultation.

PC Jena: A Humble Ecumenical Leader with a passion for human rights

P.C. Jena

NCCI learns with shock and sorrow the passing away of Mr. Purna Chandra Jena, popularly known as PC Jena on 31st August 2014.  He was around 68 and was suffering from acute asthma.

Affirm Diversity - Defend the Rights of Sexual Minorities: A Call for Indian Faith Communities

Bangalore, 31 May, 2014. Sri Sri Ravishankar, the founder of Art of Living, said that, 'affirm diversity - defend the Rights of the Sexual minorities',  in a public meeting on 'Faiths Against Homophobia' jointly organised by the  'aneka-Trust', Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore University, and  Centre for Peace and Justice Concerns of the National Christian Council of India, at  Institute for Agriculture Hall, in Bangalore on the 31^st May 2014.

Ravishankar calls upon all religious leaders and the faith communities to affirm the rights of the sexual minority communities who are socially and religiously stigmatised, excluded and discriminated for centuries. He further emphasised that, they too belong to the 'Cod created Cosmic Community' where we too are part and got a space to live. It is the duty of the faith communities to affirm the diversity and to defend the Rights of the neglected and rejected ones especially the sexual minorities. 

Addressing ecology, theology and justice in practice

30 June 2014
While churches around the world live in very different contexts and maybe separated by different doctrinal teachings, they do have one concern in common: will planet earth still be a fit place for their children to live?

How should churches reflect theologically about creation? What can churches do in their specific context?