A new member in the Lutheran World Federation: the Christ Lutheran Church of India
(Lutheran World Information) – People struggling to survive in poverty. Drug addicts. The unemployed. Those who were cast out of society through no fault of their own, or who are going through hard times in life.
One of the newest members of the LWF sees potential in these people, and it has pragmatic solutions for overcoming discrimination and poverty.
The Christ Lutheran Church (hereinafter was founded by Rev. Dr Stanley Jose, who in 1995 established the first congregation in Mannivakkam, Chennai. Today it has 54 congregations and social centres in six states. The church is made up of 2,700 members.
At the meeting of the LWF Council in June, the CLC was accepted as a new member of the LWF.
If something happens to us, we feel the encouragement and strengthening that fellowship provides, – knowing that we are supported by a community of people all over the world, – Rev. Dr Stanley Jose, Christ Lutheran Church.
President Rev. Dr Jose said that belonging to a global community of the church gives the CLC recognition in the 99 countries where the LWF operates. “It is important that we are known by people in different countries and that we are in the communion of the church of Christ. We do not feel isolated, but are included in the LWF communion.” Violence against Christians in India has increased over the past years. “If something happens to us, we feel the encouragement and strengthening that fellowship provides, – knowing that we are supported by a community of people all over the world.”
The church is drawn to the LWF’s commitment to overcoming inequality and advancing women into ministry. Rev. Dr Jose wishes to encourage the young members of the CLC to study theology, as well as for transgender people to gain further education with the support of the LWF scholarship programme.
Economic and social development
The CLC congregations come mostly from tribal and remote areas, where agriculture is the basis of the economy. The level of education and literacy is low. The church trains local Christians who speak a different language and belong to a different ethnic group, and then sends them back to their communities.
“When a spiritual transformation takes place in a person’s life, it is also followed by economic or social development.” After training and with the support of the church, a person who had been addicted to drugs was able to move to a better place to live and to provide his children with not only secondary-level education, but also higher education.
The Christ Lutheran Church offers a range of vocational courses: in computer systems technology, medical care, cosmetology, car driving, mobile phone repair and sewing. For example, the church provides courses for mid-level medical staff and nurses’ aides in the home laboratory of two members of the church. “It is a husband-and-wife team, who are trained and licensed, with their own laboratory, running the programme, bringing benefit to the whole community regardless of religion. The students will receive a government-recognised qualification.”
The church reaches out to transgender people, who are often excluded and isolated, – first within their own families, and then in the rest of society. “The church must care for those who are denied a place to live and the opportunity to study at school. Meeting their needs can transform the lives of these people.” Likewise, the church pays for training at college and sponsors information technology professionals. After graduating, transgender people in turn try to change the negative attitude that exists in their communities.
I was hungry, and you gave me to eat
Rev. Dr Jose said that God called him to care for the poor when he was 13 years old. He himself came from an economically poor background and grew up in an orphanage. After receiving a higher education, he returned to India and established the church.
“The Lord placed in my heart a desire to train our people and to engage in meeting the needs of communities – first the spiritual, then also the socio-economic – needs.”
“Growing up in poverty has motivated me to be merciful, committed to helping others. God has lifted me up to the level where my hand can now bless others.”
He said that this is summed up by Mt 25:34–40: “I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me (..) Whatever you have done for one of these least brothers of mine, you have done for me.”
The church also belongs to the United Evangelical Lutheran Church of India, the national community of LWF member churches in the country.
Chennai, India/Geneva
20./09./2018.
Source: Lutheran World Federation news