More About Our Church

CSI History & Leaders

Church of South India - A Missional Congregation

the Church of South India

History of the Church of South India

The Church of South India is the result of the union of churches of varying traditions Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed. It was inaugurated in September 1947, after protracted negotiation among the churches concerned. Organized into 24 dioceses, each under the spiritual supervision of a bishop, the church as a whole is governed by a synod, which elects a moderator (presiding bishop) every 2 years. Episcopacy is thus combined with Synodical government, and the church explicitly recognizes that Episcopal, Presbyterian, and congregational elements are all necessary for the church's life. The Scriptures are the ultimate standard of faith and practice. The historic creeds are accepted as interpreting the biblical faith, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper are recognized as of binding obligation.

Discussions concerning union had begun at a conference at Tranquebar (now Tarangambadi) in 1919, and in 1947, after India attained independence, the union was completed. The Church of South India has its own service book and communion service, both of which draw from several denominational sources. The union, especially in its reconciliation of the Anglican doctrine of apostolic succession with the views of other denominations, is often cited as a landmark in the ecumenical movement.

Formation

On 27th September 1947, the General council of Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon, General Assembly of South India United Church and South India Provincial Synod of Methodist Church joined together to from the CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA as the largest united national church in India. The continued growth has been further enriched with the joining of the churches of Basel Mission and the Anglican Diocese of Nandyal. A unique church was born out of the blending of the Episcopal and non - Episcopal traditions as a gift of God to the people of India and as a visible sign of the ecclesiastical unity for the universal church.

Commitment Of The Chruch

Being the largest Protestant church in India, the CSI celebrates her life with Indian culture and spirituality and she also raises her voice for the voiceless on matters of justice, peace and integrity of creation. Sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people of India through proclamation of the good news of Jesus; responding to human need through institutional and emergency relief work; through community development projects and skill training programmes for the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the people and programmes for the integrity of creation. Translating this vision and commitment, the Synod of the Church of South India as the apex body of the church endeavors to encourage, equip and empower her dioceses, congregations and institutions through varied ministries.

The Journey Continues

The CSI is a united and uniting church moving forward with a dynamic vision for The Communion of Churches in India. The Church of South India, the Church of North India and the Mar Thoma Church are already members of this commune of Churches and are venturing into wider ecumenical relations to witness to One Lord Jesus Christ.

Timeline of the Formation of the Church of South India

1901

Free Church of Scotland and the Reformed Presbyterian Church merge together.

1904

The Presbyterian Alliance of India was formed.

1906

Congregational Churches of London Missionary Society (LMS) and Madurai American Mission(MAM) join together.

1908

The above two Churches (LMS & MAM) joined with Presbyterian Churches and formed the South India United Church (S.I.U.C.)

1910

Two Churches of Scotland Mission (C.S.M.) joined the S.I.U.C.

1919

The Church of India, Burma and Ceylon consisting of Society for the Propagation of the gospel (S.P.G) and Church Missionary Society(C.M.S) Churches started their negotions at Tranquebar. The “Tranquebar 1919” is a landmark when a Joint Committee was formed. This Conference brought together Anglicans and Free churchmen in a way not known before. Bishop V.S. Azariah of Dornakal was the figure leading and inspiring the participants.

1925

The Wesleyan Methodist Churches of Methodist Mission Society (M.M.S) joined the talks for negotiations.

1930

The World Methodist Conference gave its approval for the union.

1943

The Wesleyan Methodist Conference in South India has joined the Union.

1944

The Anglican Churches in South India supported the proposal for Church Union.

1945

The General Council of the Anglican Churches agreed to permit its 4 Dioceses in South India to join the proposed Church Union.

1946

The S.I.U.C. agreed to enter into Organic Union of the Anglican and Methodist Churches in South India.

1947

The history of 28 years of negotiations (1919-1947) reached its climax in the dramatic moment of the Inauguration of the ''CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA” on 27th September 1947. The end was a beginning of a new chapter.

Church of South India - Logo Explained

The Logo of the Church of South India is an important and significant as the formation of the CSI through the process of unification. The Lotus and the Cross used in the Logo possess a rich cultural history and heritage which will help us in the understanding of the significance of the unification and our call and mission as members of this great and unique church.

The Lotus, a typical Indian flower, in Mythology is supposed to be not only a temple flower but also the seat of the creator. "Pankajam" one of the Indian names given to the Lotus has a very significant meaning that "it is born in mud". The Lotus blooms at sunrise and withers at sunset, in other words it lives as long as it can receive the sunrays hence it is also called 'Thammipuvu' meaning flower of the sun. Whether it means "born in the mud" or "flower of the sun" to the Indian Church, it stands to be interpreted as symbolizing the composition, nature and role of the members of the Church of South India in the bond of the union and in the context of being indigenous and also being dependent on the grace of God.

The petals of the Lotus and the arms of the Cross are beautifully intertwined together with the fiery tongues of the Holy Spirit. This again is an authentic Indian expression of people's communion with God. The colours being red (for life), purple (for piety and ecclesiastical) and the white backdrop (for purity) implicitly communicate the nature of the mystical union, where, an inseparable companionship is established which, again is a typical Indian thought form.

The words THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE, CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA are embossed in a circle round the Lotus and the Cross. The words, as we know, are taken from the high priestly prayer of our Lord Jesus Christ who prayed not only for the 'Church' but also for the whole world. This universality is expressed by placing the words in a form of a circle symbolizing not only the universe but also the inclusive nature of the Church.

"That they all may be one; as thou, father, art in me, and I in thee that they also may be one in us......" (John 17:21) is an inclusive affirmation showing explicitly that Christ is the Head and the Church, His body. It also symbolizes the prayer of the Church that not only Churches need to be united but all people of this country which can be interpreted as a meaningful prayer for national integration.

The imposing central position of the cross in the Logo conveys the idea that the indefatigable, self less supreme sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is the basis of the Church and its faith. The cross runs through the Lotus depicting its cleansing act working in the hearts of the members of the Church and restoring them to the pristine purity of heaven.

The four ends of the cross made of equal size symbolizes the equality and also the contextual peaceful co-existence and communal harmony. The Church of South India gratefully acknowledges the initiative taken by the Officers and the Executive Committee Members coinciding with the Silver Jubilee celebration of the CSI in 1972.

our leaders

The Most Rev. Dr. K Reuben Mark

Moderator - Church of South India

The Most Rev. Dr K. Reuben Mark was elected Moderator and Primate of the Church of South India at a special session of the Synod in Chennai on 21 July 2025, leading the 4.5-million-member church — the largest Anglican province in Asia — for a three-year term. He has served as the sixth Bishop in Karimnagar since 2015, seated at the CSI Wesley Cathedral, and previously served as Deputy Moderator during the 2020–2023 triennium. An academic and theologian, he spent two decades as Professor of Homiletics at Andhra Christian Theological College, Secunderabad, before his consecration, and alongside his duties in Karimnagar serves as acting Bishop of Medak and oversees the CSI's diaspora congregations in North America.

Archbishop Richard Thorpe

Archbishop of Melbourne

The Most Rev. Dr Ric Thorpe was installed as Archbishop of Melbourne and Metropolitan of Victoria at St Paul's Cathedral on 30 November 2025, following his election by the diocese's Archbishop Election Synod in May 2025. He came to Melbourne from the Church of England, where he served as Bishop of Islington in the Diocese of London from 2015 and as the church's "bishop for church plants", overseeing church growth in London for nearly a decade as director of the Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication. Holding a BSc, BTh and Doctor of Ministry, he is recognised internationally as a specialist in church planting and church growth.

Rt. Rev. Dr Paul Barker

Bishop in Charge

The Rt Rev. Dr Paul Barker has served as an Assistant Bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne since his consecration on 12 November 2016, with responsibility for the Jumbunna Episcopate covering Melbourne's outer southern and eastern suburbs. Before becoming bishop he spent six years in South-East Asia as a visiting lecturer in Biblical Theology, Old Testament and Homiletics, and as regional coordinator for Langham Preaching and Langham Scholar Care, and he continues to serve the wider church through roles including Chair of the Melbourne Diocese Hope25 Committee.

Rt. Rev. V S Francis

Deputy Moderator - Church of South India
Bishop in East Kerala Diocese

The Rt. Rev. V. S. Francis has served as the fourth Bishop of the CSI East Kerala Diocese since his consecration at Christ Cathedral, Melukavu, on 8 July 2019, and was installed as Deputy Moderator of the Church of South India in December 2025. Born in Ellumpuram in 1961 and trained at Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, he pastored congregations in Chemmannar, Kattappana, Konnathadi and Kaliyar, and served as Chaplain to Bishop George Daniel and as Treasurer of the diocese before his election as bishop. He also serves as Manager of Henry Baker College, Melukavu.

CSI East Kerala Diocesan Office, Melukavumattom P. O., Kottayam-686 652, Kerala.

Rt. Rev. Kurian Peter

Bishop in Kochi Diocese

The Rt. Rev. Kurian Peter was consecrated Bishop of the Cochin Diocese on 15 August 2025 at Immanuel CSI Cathedral, Kochi, succeeding Bishop Baker Ninan Fenn. Born on 5 December 1971, he studied at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, took his BA in Economics from Mahatma Gandhi University and his Bachelor of Divinity from Leonard Theological College, Jabalpur, and earned a Master of Theology in Pastoral Care from Trinity College, University of Divinity, Melbourne.

Near Pump Junction, Aluva P. O., Ernakulam District, Kerala- 683 101.

Rt. Rev. Jose George

Bishop in Kollam-Kottarakara Diocese

The Rt. Rev. Jose George was consecrated on 6 August 2025 at CSI Christ Cathedral, Kollam, becoming the second Bishop of the Kollam–Kottarakara Diocese since its formation in 2017, succeeding Bishop Oommen George. A senior presbyter of the diocese, he served as Vicar of Christ Cathedral, Kollam, and as Clergy Secretary, and is regarded for his pastoral commitment, administrative insight and social concern across the congregations and ministries he has served.

CSI Kollam Kottarakkara Diocesan Office, NH 208, Chinnakkada, Kollam - 691 001, Kerala.

Rt. Rev. Dr Sabu K. Cherian

Bishop in Madhya Kerala Diocese

The Rt. Rev. Dr Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian was consecrated the 13th Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese on 18 January 2021 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kottayam. Hailing from Punnackadu, he holds a BSc in Mathematics, an MA in Sociology, a BD from Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, and a Doctor of Ministry from New York Theological Seminary. Ordained deacon in 1988 and presbyter in 1989, he began his ministry in the Andhra–Telangana mission field and is widely known for his ecological vision and organic farming initiatives, which earned his parishes "green parish" and "green parsonage" awards.

CSI Madhya Kerala Diocesan Office, Cathedral Road, Kottayam-686 001,Kerala.

Rt. Rev. Royce Manoj Victor

Bishop in Malabar Diocese

The Rt. Rev. Dr Royce Manoj Victor was consecrated on 17 May 2016 at CSI Cathedral, Mananchira, Kozhikode, as the first Bishop of the newly formed Malabar Diocese, which covers Kerala's northern districts from Palakkad to Kasaragod. He has also served as Bishop-in-Charge of the South Kerala Diocese, and represents the CSI internationally as a member of the International Reformed–Anglican Dialogue and Co-Chair of the International Anglican–Pentecostal Commission. In September 2025 he ordained the diocese's first women deaconesses, a historic step for the church in Kerala.

CSI Malabar Diocesan Office, Bank Road, Calicut - 673 001., Kerala.

Rt Rev. Dr Prinstone Ben

Bishop in South Kerala Diocese

The Rt. Rev. Dr Prinstone Ben was consecrated the seventh Bishop of the South Kerala Diocese on 22 March 2026 at the Mateer Memorial Cathedral, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram, in a service led by the CSI Moderator, the Most Rev. Dr K. Reuben Mark. He was serving as Vice-Chairman of the diocese when the CSI Synod, meeting in Chennai, selected him for episcopal office.

CSI South Kerala Diocesan Office, LMS Compound, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 033, Kerala.

Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja

General Secretary - Church of South India

Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja serves as the General Secretary of the Church of South India Synod and as Honorary Secretary of the CSI Trust Association, based at the CSI Centre, Royapettah, Chennai. An advocate by profession holding M.A. and B.L. degrees, he acts as the chief executive officer of the church — coordinating the work of its departments and agencies, maintaining the records of Synod decisions and proceedings, liaising with dioceses, congregations and partner churches, and assisting the Moderator in the administration of the church. He was elected to the office at the 36th Session of the Synod Council and continues to serve in the current triennium.

Prof. Dr. B. Vimal Sukumar

Hon. Treasurer - Church of South India

Prof. Dr. B. Vimal Sukumar is the Honorary Treasurer of the Church of South India and the CSI Trust Association, the church's key financial officer responsible for managing the Synod's finances, budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance and stability. Based in Secunderabad, where he also serves as Treasurer of the CSI Medak Diocese, he brings an exceptional academic portfolio to the role — MBA, M.Com, LLM, M.Ed, M.Phil and Ph.D. — alongside long experience in diocesan financial administration. He was elected Honorary Treasurer at the 36th Session of the Synod Council and continues in office under the current Moderator, the Most Rev. Dr K. Reuben Mark.

About

The Melbourne CSI Church was initiated in 2011 as an answer to several decades of prayerful waiting of members of the Church of South India who came to Australia and settled.

location

334 High Street, Ashburton, Victoria 3147 Australia

Malayalam Service - 10:45AM all Sundays, except second & last Sundays

English Service - Second Sundays @ 10:45AM, Last Sundays at 09:30AM

Contacts

key links

Top pages

Key pages

MCSI Life

About Us

Membership

Prayer Request

Missions

- policies |

Privacy

Worship and service shedule

Subscribe to our Facbook Page for more info

⛪ Sunday Worship

🕥 10:45 AM · All Sundays (except 2nd & last) Malayalam

🕥 10:45 AM · Second Sundays English

🕤 09:30 AM · Last Sundays English

📖 Sunday School

🕤 09:30 AM · All Sundays

🕚 11:00 AM · Last Sundays