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The Communion of Churches in India • Origin and Development & Aims and Objects | CCI History

CCI - Communion of Churches in India 
The Communion of Churches in India (CCI) is a representative body of three mainland Protestant Churches in India: the Church of North India (CNI), the Church of South India (CSI) and the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church (MTC). The Communion of Churches in India (CCI) has been constituted as the visible organ for common expression of the life and witness by the founding Churches which recognise themselves as belonging to the one Church of Jesus Christ in India, even while remaining as autonomous churches, each having its own identity of traditions and organizational structures.

CCI Historical Origin 
The genesis of the story goes back to the invitation by the CNI to form three commissions of representatives of the three churches: the Church of North India, Church of South India and the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church (here-in-after referred to as CNI.CSI and MTC) to explore the ways and means of further cooperation and witness in India. This move was welcomed during the meeting of the CSI and MTC Negotiation Commission, held on 17th May 1974. Prior to 2004, the CCI was known as the Joint Council of Churches in India which constituted of the same member churches. 

Therefore the three churches appointed their representatives to the Theological Commissions of their respective churches and these commissions began to function as a Joint Theological Commission. The first meeting of the Joint Theological Commission was held in January 1975 at Madras. The object of the Commission was to explore the possibilities of close cooperation between the CNI, the CSI and the MTC and to discuss the question of faith and order and other relevant issues. During their third meeting in September 1976, the JTC passed the proposal for a new model of union for these three churches, which was accepted, and the Joint Council was inaugurated in July 1978, at Nagpur.

CCI Historical Development
In a meeting of the Executive Committees of the CNI, CSI & MTC - November 1999 at Charal Kunnu, Kerala from 11-14 November, 1999, it was unanimously recommended that the name 'The Communion of Churches in India' be adopted in place of the Joint Council to reflect the growth in the experience of unity among the three churches. The CSI suggested the name "Church of India". The CNI and the MTC did not accept it, as a new Church did not come into existence. The MTC came up with "The Council of Churches in Communion. The new name "The Communion of Churches in India " was adopted and announced at the 10 Joint Council Meeting held in Calcutta on 13th and 14th November 2000.

According to the Constitution of the CCI the General Assembly is held ordinarily every four years. The first General Assembly of the Communion of Churches was held on 10 March 2004 in Cochin but somehow after two years the second General Assembly was held in CSI Centre, Chennai from 3rd to 5th July 2006. The third General Assembly was held in CNI Bhavan New Delhi on 2nd and 3rd March 2010. It was decided to observe second Sunday in November every year as the Festival of Unity in the second meeting of the Executive Committee of the Joint Council held on 5th May 1979.

CCI Objects
According to the Preamble of the new constitution, the objects are :

✮ To serve as the common organ of the member churches and of the whole church of Jesus Christ in India.

✮ To help the churches to fulfill the mission of evangelization.

✮ To strive with all people for justice and integrity of creation.

✮ To explore possibility of common action for fulfillment of mission.

✮ To consider question of faith, worship and order and other relevant issues.

CCI Purpose
The CCI:
✮ Aims to serve as a common organ for visible manifestation of unity, witness and service.

✮ Will assist the churches to address the issues affecting and threatening life.

✮ Will focus on issues of peace, justice and integrity of creation.

✮ Will explore new avenues to share and affirm God’s love through diakonia.

✮ Will seek other churches in India to consider joining this union

CCI Commision
It has also appointed three commissions to explore the ways of working together:

(1) Commission on Mission to find out the possibility of opening new mission centers in different language areas of India in cooperation with one another

(2) Commission on Theological matters: to study the implication of closer relationships

(3) Commission on Peace and Justice: to consider national and international issues pertaining to Justice and Peace and the response of the Church to such situations.

CCI Pratical Implications 
The aim of this is that there might be union between these churches, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of all Christ's people in India i.e. the fulfillment of the Mission of the Church. Three Churches consider themselves to be part of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in India; even while maintaining each Church's autonomy and traditions. These three Churches are in full communion with one another. They also mutually recognize and accept each other's clergy, interpretation of the Bible, creeds, baptism, eucharist and ministry. The CCI publishes a common Lectionary and Diary for the regular use of congregations and individuals each year. The second Sunday in November is set apart as Unity Sunday in all three churches to celebrate the unity that has been already attained, and local parishes are encouraged to conduct joint services.

To whom read this,
“The Communion” invites other Churches in India to enter into full communion with the member churches separately and join “The Communion”.
Acknowledgement
Communion of Churches in India.

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