We, the members of the Church of South India, affirm that this Church is a part of the One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We believe that the Church of South India is a gift of God to the people of India, formed out of the union of four different church traditions – Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational – towards the fulfillment of the Lord’s prayer “That they all may be one.” As a united Church, the Church of South India is committed to the union of all who acknowledge the name of Christ.
The Church of South India is an autonomous Indian church, free from any control, legal or otherwise, of any church or society external to itself. It is significant that the Church of South India was formed immediately after our country attained independence, and it is our conviction that the destiny and character of our Church are to be shaped by our obedience to the call of Jesus Christ as well as our determination to root the church in the cultural and social realities of the Indian context. We are proud of the rich cultural and religious heritage of India and commit ourselves to sharing with our fellow citizens, our work, God’s transforming act in Christ, in a spirit of humility and openness.
We, as a church believe that we are called to participate in God’s mission in this part of the world. This mission is one of creating and recreating all our relationships according to the purpose of God in Christ for the whole world and participating in the realization of the Kingdom of God. We recognize different experiences of God’s mission in our midst, primarily the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ, through our word and deed. We also believe that justice, especially for the poor and oppressed both within our fold and outside, are participation in the mission of God. We further recognize that our response to God’s mission is also expressed in our commitment to striving for peace in the world and to a responsible stewardship of the earth and of all God’s creation.
The Church of South India recognizes the participation of the people at all levels of Church government, but, as members of the Body of Christ, and servants of the Servant Lord, we remind ourselves that power and authority should be considered a means of service.
We prayfully commit our lives to Christ, the giver of New Life and acknowledge the need to be continually renewed by the Holy Spirit so that we as a Church will be the sign and instrument of peace and reconciliation in the many conflicts around us. We stand before God in prayer, asking God’s Spirit to empower us and lead us in Christ’s way. We pledge to follow and uphold the Governing Principles of our Church and the provisions of this constitution, for the glory of God, the good of the church and the welfare of all people.
