Around 200 missionaries from across the Tamil region gathered in Chennai on 3–4 November 2026 for a Church of South India (CSI) conference addressing missionary welfare and the Church’s ministry among vulnerable communities.

The conference took place at the CSI Centre, organised by the CSI Synod’s Department of Mission and Evangelism in partnership with the diocese of Madras. Its theme, ‘From Wilderness to Living Water: Participating in God’s Renewing Mission’, drew on Isaiah 43:19.

The gathering followed the Telugu regional mission conference in Dornakal, which brought together 68 missionaries on 23–24 October under the same theme.

Addressing participants in Chennai, the CSI General Secretary, C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, highlighted the importance of the health and welfare of missionaries and their families. He affirmed the Church’s concern for their wellbeing through its institutional and healthcare networks and called for greater solidarity with those serving vulnerable communities. 

CSI General Secretary C. Fernandas Rathina Raja
Photo: Church of South India (United)

The conference was inaugurated by the chair of the Department of Mission and Evangelism, the Bishop of Malabar, the Rt Revd Dr K. Royce Manoj Kumar. In his thematic address, he reflected on Isaiah’s promise of renewal, hope and restoration in the context of Israel’s exile, relating it to the challenges of missionary life.

He encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their calling and linked the theme to the CSI’s mission statement: ‘Solidarity with the broken communities through the cross, for an enduring hope in affirming the fullness of life.’

Sessions explored how this commitment could inform ministry in different contexts. The Bishop of Trichy-Tanjore, the Rt Revd Dr S. Samuel Rajadurai, addressed the Church’s responsibility towards displaced and migrant communities. The Bishop of Erode-Salem, the Rt Revd Dr J. Victor Raj, considered integrity and accountability in Christian leadership.

The Bishop of Madras, the Rt Revd Dr A. Paul Francis Ravichandran, explored the topic of discerning God’s mission amid changing realities. 

The Bishop of Madras, the Rt Revd Dr A. Paul Francis Ravichandran
Photo: Church of South India (United)

The Revd J. Jeba Daniel, Director of the CSI Department of Communication, spoke on ‘Navigating the New Frontier of Mission’, exploring opportunities and challenges for the Church in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Dr Ranjith Daniels of Care Trust contributed a creation-care perspective, highlighting ecological sustainability and the protection of God’s creation as responsibilities of the Church.

The programme provided opportunities for theological reflection, shared learning and mutual encouragement. It was coordinated by the Revd J. Justin and the Revd Shobana Joslin, Director and Associate Director respectively of the CSI Synod’s Department of Mission and Evangelism.

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Source of story: Church of South India.