A communique from last week’s meeting of the central committee of the Communion of Churches in India (CCI) in Madras reports India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to meet with bishops of the Church of South India (CSI), Church of North India (CNI) and the Mar Thoma Church to discuss the rise in Hindu persecution of Christians. The 13 May 2015 statement released at the close of the three day meeting said: “They will carry the sentiments of the community in not being considered for positions in government and related bodies, including but not limited to, representations in the Parliament and the State legislatures and the minority commissions in both Centre and the States.” The communique also stated the CCI would stand in solidarity with other denominations and creeds in upholding the secular constitution of India to ensure communal harmony. Formed in 2004, the CCI is the representative body of three largest Churches in India, excluding the Roman Catholic Church. The three are in full communion with each other, accepting the validity of each other’s clergy and sacraments.
