79th CSI Formation Day Thanksgiving Service
Report on the 79th CSI Formation Day Thanksgiving Service
The Karnataka Central Diocese of the Church of South India celebrated the 79th CSI Formation day with Thanksgiving Holy Communion Service on September 27, 2025, at 5 p.m. The celebration was held at the George Edward Lynch Cotton Auditorium, Bishop Cotton Boys’ School, Bengaluru, marking seventy-nine years of the Church of South India’s journey of unity, witness, and mission since its historic formation on September 27, 1947.
The event brought together clergy, lay leaders, diocesan officers, and members from various pastorates and institutions to express gratitude for God’s faithfulness in the life and ministry of the Church. The worship service was led by the Officers of the Diocese, Area Chairpersons, and the Convenor of the Ministerial Committee, who guided the congregation through the liturgy, scripture readings, intercessory prayers, and hymns of thanksgiving.
The Right Reverend Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, Bishop of the Karnataka Central Diocese, preached the sermon on the theme “That They May All Be One” (John 17:21)—the very words of Jesus that inspired the foundation of the Church of South India. In his sermon, the Bishop reflected on three important movements in the CSI’s faith journey: Remembering our Roots, Rejoicing in our Unity, and Renewing our Mission.
He reminded the gathering that the CSI was born out of prayer, sacrifice, and a vision of reconciliation. It was not a mere organizational merger but a spiritual covenant expressing the oneness of believers in Christ. Referring to the struggles and faith of the pioneers who worked towards the union, the Bishop highlighted that the CSI’s formation was both a theological and prophetic act—proclaiming that the Gospel transcends denominational, cultural, and social boundaries.
Bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar emphasized that unity does not mean uniformity, but harmony in diversity. Using the imagery of a symphony orchestra, he illustrated how different instruments, though distinct in tone, come together to create beautiful music when guided by one conductor. Likewise, the CSI, with its diverse linguistic and cultural expressions, continues to be a living witness of unity under Christ, the Head of the Church.
The Bishop further urged the Church to renew its mission by remaining rooted in the Gospel and engaged in the needs of the world. He called the congregation to be a church that stands with the poor and the marginalized, cares for creation, empowers the youth, and proclaims the love of Christ through compassionate service. “A lamp,” he said, “loses its purpose if it only decorates a room but gives no light. The Church must shine as Christ’s light in a broken and fragmented world.”
The service concluded with celebration of Eucharist and heartfelt prayers of dedication and the benediction by the Bishop.
Rev. J. Christopher Samuel
Diocesan Secretary
