The Church of South India (United) has celebrated its 80th anniversary year, marking eight decades of faith, service and unity. At the CSI Centre, Chennai, on September 26 and 27, 2026, celebrations were held under the theme ‘Journey of Faith: Affirming Hope and Justice.’

The two-day celebration was presided over by Most Revd Dr K Reuben Mark, the Moderator, alongside Rt Revd V S Francis, the Deputy Moderator, and graced by C Fernandas Rathina Raja, the General Secretary, and Prof Dr B Vimal Sukumar, the Hon Treasurer for the Church of South India. The celebration was attended by several diocesan bishops as well as representatives from the Synod, laypersons and young members of the church, including involvement from a local school.

The celebration opened with a worship service, conducted by the directors of the various departments of the CSI Synod and the regional coordinators. The celebration was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, as the Synod choir sang.

In his address, the Most Revd Dr K Reuben Mark, the Moderator, reflected on the prayer of Jesus Christ in St. John 17:17-21, in which he called the Church to remain one in truth and in mission. He conveyed greetings to all 26 dioceses and gave special thanks to God for the constitution of the first council of the Diaspora Diocese of North America, which became the 26^th diocese of CSI this year. This new diocese gives CSI members living in North America a spiritual home of their own within the wider CSI family, so that they remain connected to the Church's identity, worship and mission while living far from their homeland.

Moderator Reuben also expressed gratitude for the partner organisations and ecumenical partners who continue to share in the mission and ministry of the Church. Reflecting on the theme, ‘Journey of Faith: Affirming Hope and Justice,’ he invited the Church to look back with gratitude on its rich legacy and journey, while looking ahead with renewed hope and a deeper commitment to justice, unity and the Church’s continuing mission.

The Rt Revd V S Francis, the Deputy Moderator, led the gathering in prayer and stressed the importance of a life of prayer. He also highlighted the need to update theological education and to put those updates into practice.

In the welcome address, Mr C Fernandas Rathina Raja, the General Secretary, introduced the presentations and highlighted three areas for reflection in the history and the role of the Church going forward.

Serving a divided society: How the Church has shaped social structures amid social divisions, and how it has contributed to education, often ahead of the government, and to healthcare and to homes for children, the aged, the visually impaired and children at risk.

Empowering women: How the Church has advanced women's ordination and leadership in a patriarchal society.

Faith in the age of AI: How the Church understands Artificial Intelligence as a tool within God's calling, one that should deepen prophetic and spiritual life. He called the Church to envision these responsibilities at this milestone of the 80^th year.

In a gesture of appreciation, honours were presented to the bishops in recognition of their dedicated service to their dioceses and the Church as a whole.

As a symbolic expression of unity and shared commitment, wristbands carrying the theme were distributed individually to all the participants, reminding them of the Church’s common journey, mission and commitment to hope and justice.

Across the celebrations, other activities were held in honour of the anniversary over the two days. These included sports events, cultural performances and a CSI day procession.

The Church of South India came into being in 1947 through the union of several Christian traditions, and it has always understood itself as a united and uniting Church.

An article on the CSI's website described the celebrations as a 'meaningful occasion to remember and cherish the rich legacy of the Church of South India, celebrating eight decades of its witness, service, unity and mission. At the same time, the gathering looked forward with hope to the emerging missional vision of the Church, reaffirming its commitment to walk together in faith, to serve with compassion, to work for justice, and to proclaim hope in a changing world.’

More information

Watch the service of celebration from the CSI Centre in Chennai. 

See the latest news from the Church of South India (United).

Learn more about the History of the Church of South India (United).