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South India
Main languages spoken: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada
USPG & South India
The Church of South India (CSI) is a united and uniting Church, vibrant and prophetic with ministries among children, women, youth, education, healing, Dalit & Adivasi, environment, evangelism, and leadership development. It has a remarkable ministry on environment protection and promoting rights of the Dalit & marginalised communities.
The 20th century saw first the inauguration of the Church of India, Burma, and Ceylon (CIBC) in 1930 bringing autonomy within the Anglican Communion. The Church of South India was formed in September 1947 with a union of churches from different traditions including Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed. It is organised into 24 dioceses, all of whom are united by a mission to carry on the mission of Jesus Christ as outlined on the Scriptures. The CSI has hosted many people through USPG over the years, transforming individuals and resulting in mutual learning.
Climate Resilient Schools and Communities
In response to pressing climate concerns, the Church of South India established eco-learning programmes that teach children vital skills, such as how to save water and create fertilisers out of waste. By learning more about our environment, children are inspired to protect it and to create a better future.
The CSI has now expanded the programme since recognition from UNESCO to foster a culture of ecological awareness within its dioceses. In 2022, 300 students learned vital skills for environmental preservation, inspiring positive changes in their homes and communities.
Gender Justice
The Church of South India also focusses on social justice and gender by equipping presbyters and ministers and raising awareness about the rights of Third Gender/Trans individuals, gender non-conforming children, and the rights of Dalit children. This initiative promotes gender equity and empathy, reinforcing USPG’s wider commitment to championing justice for all marginalised groups.
Kurnool Training Centre
The Kurnool Training Centre provides young women with practical skills like sewing, IT, and English, along with lessons in church history and Bible studies. Graduates leave with greater financial independence, often securing employment or starting businesses, and becoming more active in their local churches.
Asia Theological Accompaniment Programme
Theological Education Institutions (TEIs) across Asia are grappling with significant challenges, including economic recovery post-pandemic, the ownership of theological education, the need to contextualize curricula, and a renewed post-colonial consciousness. Additionally, they face external pressures such as political and economic instability, rising ethno-nationalism, religious fundamentalism, and ecological destruction.
In response, many deans, principals and other leaders from TEIs across Asia have joined with USPG for a space of interaction and exchange of expertise to enhance collaboration and resource-sharing. This initiative aims to strengthen inclusive leadership and improve institutional resilience and sustainability, fostering a transformed vision for leadership and the role of theological education in Asia.
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The Anglican Communion Day of Prayer, co-ordinated by USPG, took place at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consisting of 24 consecutive hours of prayer led by Christians all over the world, catch-up on the contribution from the Church of South India