Introduction
The establishment of the Diaspora Diocese is a golden chapter in the historical journey of the Church of South India (CSI). Here is the history of the CSI Diaspora Diocese, which was created with the aim of uniting CSI congregations spread across countries like North America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand under one roof, strengthening them both spiritually and administratively.
1. The Beginning
CSI families began forming informal congregations with the goal of raising their children in the CSI tradition. Between 1970 and 1980, members primarily from the Madhya Kerala Diocese, along with a small number from the South Kerala Diocese, took the initiative to establish CSI congregations in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas.
2. First Organized Worship
Rt. Rev. T. S. Joseph led a CSI order worship service in the United States, marking an important milestone in the organized worship life of CSI families in 1978.
3. Ordination of Pastors
Qualified candidates were ordained as pastors by Rt. Rev. M. C. Mani, strengthening pastoral leadership among the congregations in 1982.
4. First Youth and Family Conference
Chicago hosted the first CSI Youth and Family Conference. This conference became a lasting tradition and continues to be held once every two years in 1987.
5. Moderator's Visit
The conference was attended by the CSI Moderator, The Most Rev. Victor Premsagar, reflecting growing recognition and support from the wider CSI leadership in 1989.
6. Joint Meeting in New York
The Most Rev. Victor Premsagar convened a joint meeting in New York to discuss the future of CSI families in North America. During this visit, he also met with partner churches within the Anglican, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ traditions in 1990.
7. Adhoc Council Formation
In 1994 July, An adhoc council was formed at the North American Family and Youth Conference in Toronto, Canada, under the leadership of the then Moderator, Most Rev. V.P. Dandin and Madhya Kerala Bishop Rt Rev. Dr. M.C. Mani. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, Mr. Koshy George, and Mr. Alen John were appointed as conveners.
8. Council Inauguration
A significant organizational milestone was reached with the formation of the Council of CSI Congregations in North America, inaugurated under the leadership of Moderator The Most Rev. V. P. Dandin on December 10, 1994. The First Elected Leadership includes Rev. Thomas K. Oommen (Vice President), Mr. Mathew Oommen (Secretary), and Mr. Bobby Chandy (Treasurer).
9. Constitution Revision
The Council revised and amended its Constitution under the supervision of the Moderator, The Most Rev. Govada Dyvasirvadam, to better address the evolving needs of CSI congregations in North America in 2014.
10. Request for Diocese
The Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen encouraged the Council to search for a property to serve as its headquarters and raise funds for that purpose during 2017 - 2019. The first formal request to establish a diocese in North America was submitted to the CSI Synod Executive Committee in 2018.
11. Administrator Request
In 2019, the Council requested Synod to appoint an administrator for CSI congregations in North America. The Synod received this request during the Family and Youth Conference held in Houston, attended by The Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen (Moderator), Rev. Dr. Daniel Rathnakara Sadananda (General Secretary), and Adv. Robert Bruce (Treasurer).
12. Historic Resolution
On July 9, 2022, during the Open Forum of the 33rd Family and Youth Conference in Philadelphia, the forum unanimously resolved to request the CSI Synod to approve a Diaspora Diocese of the CSI to strengthen CSI congregations in North America. The CSI Moderator, Deputy Moderator, Madhya Kerala Diocesan Bishop, and CSI General Secretary were present for this historic decision.
13. Diocese Formation Committee
The Diocese Formation Committee, formed and approved at the Council meeting held on July 6–7, 2022, sent letters to all churches requesting detailed information, including the number of churches, families, assets, and financial background of all CSI churches in the USA.
14. Memorandum to Synod
The Diocesan Formation Committee sent a memorandum to the synod regarding the formation of the Diaspora Diocese, along with the summary of survey report of the CSI Congregations in North America on September 2022.
15. Synod Presentation
At the 37th session of the CSI Synod meeting in Hubli, a delegation led by Rev. Sam N. Joshua (Vice President), Prof. Dr. Zacharia Oommen (Secretary), Mr. Daniel Cherian (Treasurer), Mr. Mathew Joshua (Diocesan Formation Secretary), Mr. Koshy George, Dr. Beena Mathew, and Mrs. Ammini Cherian, presented further details regarding the proposed Diaspora Diocese on January 2023.
16. Diocese Established
Most Rev. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam officially announced the establishment of the CSI Diaspora Diocese, encompassing CSI congregations in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and the United Kingdom on January 15, 2023. A 15-member administrative committee was appointed to oversee the newly formed diocese.
17.Constitution Draft
An initial draft of the Constitution, along with the draft Vision and Mission statements, was submitted to the Synod Office for review on January 11, 2024.
18. Administrative Committee Reconstituted
Following subsequent developments after the formation of the diocese, the Administrative Committee was reconstituted to continue guiding the diocese forward on September 18, 2025.
19. 19. The First Diocesan Council Meeting
The Church of South India, Diaspora Diocese of North America convened its First Diocesan Council Meeting on 22–23 July 2026 at the Love of Christ CSI Church, Dallas, Texas, USA, marking a significant milestone in the journey of the newly established Diocese. The Council was presided over by The Most Rev. Dr. K. Reuben Mark, Moderator of the Church of South India, and was graced by the presence of Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary of the Church of South India.
Conclusion
From the early gatherings of CSI families in the 1970s to the establishment of the Diaspora Diocese in 2023, this journey reflects the unwavering faith, dedication, and vision of countless individuals who worked tirelessly to preserve and strengthen the CSI community in North America. As we continue to grow and serve, we honor those who came before us and remain committed to nurturing the spiritual life of CSI families for generations to come.
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