CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA OF NORTH AMERICA

 (CSINA)

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2003-2004

FOR

The Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations in North America

(UCMC)

2^ND ANNUAL MEETING

JULY 03, 2004

CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, NORTH DALLAS-ADDISON, TEXAS 75001

UCMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2003-2004

The Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel                                                       President

The Rev. K. Zachariah Eipe (Philadelphia)                               Vice President

Mr. John Zachariah (New York)                                                  General Secretary

Mr. Shibu Kurian (Chicago)                                                   Joint Secretary

Mr. Jacob Varghese (Dallas)                                                         Treasurer

Mr. Mathew Joshua (NY, MA, NJ, PA, CT)                               Region 1

Mr. John John (TX, FL, GA)                                                          Region 2

Mr. Bobi Chandy (IL, MI, MN AND CANADA)                      Region 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Rev. P. U. Paulose (New York)                                                         Region 1

Mr. Thomas T Oommen (New York)                                                     Region 1

The Rev. Saji K Cherian (Houston)                                                        Region 2

Mr. George Mathew (Dallas)                                                                   Region 2

The Rev. John Philipose (Detroit)                                                           Region 3

Mr. George Cherian (Chicago)                                                                Region 3

AUXILIARY FELLOWSHIP DIRECTORES-NATIONAL LEVEL

The Rev. Cherian Thomas (New York)                         Laity Movement

The Rev. George Cherian (New York)                           Sunday school

The Rev. K. Zachariah Eipe (Philadelphia)                  Choristers Movement

The Rev. Alex P Oommen (Dallas)                                  Youth Chaplain      

Mrs. Lilly Thomas (Bishop House, Kottayam)             Women Fellowship           

 2^nd Annual UCMC Meeting 2004

Saturday 3^rd of July 2004

CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, NORTH DALLAS-ADDISON, TEXAS 75001

AGENDA

1.        Prayer

2.        Election of Recording Secretaries

3.        Roll Call

4.        Welcome Speech

5.        Presidential Address

6.        Annual Report and Minutes

7.        Annual Accounts and Budgets

8.        Election of New Office Bearers/Board of Directors

9.        Other Matters, if any

10.    Vote of thanks

11.    Prayer and Benediction

The Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations in North America

Annual Report for 2003-2004

Welcome

Respected Bishop Thirumeni Rt. Rev.  Thomas Samuel, Achens and all my dear brothers and sisters, I am greatly honored to extend a warm welcome to all of you and to present this report in front of you on behalf of the Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations of North America during the 2^nd Annual UCMC general meeting.  Before I present to you the annual report of 2003-2004, let me praise the Lord Almighty for the wonderful blessings showered upon us since the formation of the UCMC in North America. 

Formation and origin of UCMC

Before I get in to the details, it is only proper to mention how CSINA is formed and explain its purpose.  During the second half of the Twentieth century, immigration to North America from the central part of Kerala began to increase. The majority of the immigrant CSI populations were members of the Madhya Kerala Diocese.  Immigrants from Kerala, finding themselves in the midst of great diversity on this continent due to differences in culture and language, felt the need to be bound together culturally and religiously by the liturgical and ecclesiastical practice of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese.  The CSI Congregations affiliated with the Madhya Kerala Diocese were formed in major cities of North America during the second half of the 20^th Century.      The first CSI Malayalam Congregation in New York was inaugurated in 1977 by then Rev. Thomas Samuel Jr., presently the Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese. The CSI congregation of greater Chicago, presently known as the St. Mark’s CSI Church in Chicago, was started in 1984,  and Rev. Dr. K. K. Cherian conducted the inaugural service on March 18, 1981 at the Lakeview Lutheran Church. The members of the Malayalam Congregations under CSINA, therefore, seek a structure to promote a unified, orderly and uniform practice among the Congregations.

               The formation of CSINA is a result of years of frustration and disappointment with the council’s activities.  The inaction of the Council and the misguided leadership with sense of lost direction during these years caused lot of unhappiness among member congregations.   The CSINA, the most widely talked about organization so far in such short period of time since its origin, is a very unique entity.  History will

 remember it as a milestone of unparallel achievements in the life of CSI families in North America.   The CSINA was originated at a crucial time when people felt a lack of discipline and ecclesiastical leadership in the present administration of the Council and its hierarchy itself.

The idea of bringing all the Malayalam congregations together as a fellowship under the Church of South India of North America was in the minds of the CSI members for some time.  According to a recent report on CSI Churches in North America submitted at the Synod meeting, out of 31 congregations listed on website of the CSINA 27 Congregations with a 91.34% members are Malayalam families.  On the same report it is also mentioned that out of 27 Malayalam Congregations, 89.53% of the families belongs to Madhya Kerala Diocese.  Also it is a fact that the same report analyses that out of 27 Congregations 11 Congregations receives Pastoral care from the Madhya Kerala Diocesan Bishop. 78% of the CSI families are in those 11 Congregations. The statistics is mentioned strictly for information and better understanding of the structure of CSI families in North America and should not be used for any other purpose.

              The very first meeting to discuss the formation of CSINA was held on a conference call on 28 of January 2003.  Apart from the support of our Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, I thank Rev. Dr. Sam T Mathew(CSI Malayalam Congregation of Greater New York), Rev. Dr. Sabu K Cherian (Jubilee Memorial CSI Church, Williston Park, New York), Rev. Oommen George (Chicago), Mr. John John (Houston), Mr. M. G. Wesley (Florida), Mr. M.I.Varghese (Dallas), Mr. Shibu Kurian (Chicago) and Mr. John Zachariah (New York),  who came together on that day to be part of a very important discussion  that became a turning point in the history of CSI in North America, later on led to the formation of the  Church of South India of North America(CSINA) also known as the Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations in North America (UCMC).  Numerous meetings were held during the various stages of the formation of CSINA and selection of an Ad-hoc committee from 11 congregations were completed by February 14, 2003.  Election of the UCMC Council members from congregations were also completed by April 27^th 2003, as per guidelines given in the UCMC constitution.  The first UCMC general meeting was held on May 14^{th 2003} to elect the Executive Committee members, office bearers and the Board of Directors.  The auxiliary fellowships Directors were also appointed on 21^st November 2003 to organize and conduct programs on a regional and national level.  Please see the names of the Executive Committee members, the Board of Directors and the names of the Auxiliary fellowship Directors on the website at ucmc.csichurch.com.

                    The CSINA is committed in providing a common forum and fellowship for all the CSI families in North America and to facilitate a unified and uniform practice of worship in Church of South India of North America Congregations. The CSINA is also committed to encourage spiritual growth of its members through activities such as conferences, seminars and other programs and to develop better relations and nurturing the needs among member congregations. The CSINA help foster affiliations with partner churches and help our community to provide an instrument of self-discipline which will help us walk forward in faith.  

Annual UCMC Council meeting,

                    The 1st annual UCMC council meeting was held on May 14^th 2003 via conference call. The meeting started with prayer by Rev. Alex P. Oommen.  The New York based members assembled at the Parsonage of the CSI Malayalam congregation of

Greater New York.  With the blessings of the President Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, Rev. Sam T Mathew presided the meeting. 16 members were present.  Rev. Sam T Mathew presented the agenda.

Election of the Office bearers, Executive committee, Board of Directors and Auxiliary fellowship Directors.

                   The appointment of Rev. K Zachariah Eipe as the Vice President of the  UCMC  was ratified in the meeting.  .  The election of the office bearers for the year 2003-2004 were held.  Mr. John Zachariah, Secretary, Mr. Shihu A Kurian, Joint secretary, Mr. Jacob Varghese, Treasurer, Mr. Mathew Joshua, Executive Member for Region 1, Mr. John John, Executive Member for Region 2, Mr. Bobi Chandy, Executive Member for Region 3, Mr. Thomas T Oommen, Board of Director for Region 1, Mr. George Mathew, Board of Director for Region 2 and Mr. George Cherian, Executive Member for Region 3 were elected.  The election of three Presbyters for the Board of Directors were postponed as more Vicars from Madhya Kerala had to arrive and decided to fill the vacancies by June 2003.

UCMC Executive Committee Members 

Send off meeting for outgoing vicars.

Send off meeting for Rev. Dr. Sam T Mathew, Rev. Dr. Sabu K Cherian and Rev. Sam Mathew Kavungal were held on May 14, 2003.  The meeting was presided by the Madhya Kerala Diocesan Treasurer Rev. Nelson Chacko, also present were Rev. Varghese Philip and Chacko Varghese, visiting pastors from MKD.    Besides completing a successful term of 3 years in the UCMC congregations, the Vicars were instrumental in organizing the UCMC from the very start.  Felicitations were given by Rev. K Zachariah Eipe, Mr. John Zachariah, Mr. Shibu Kurian, Mr. John John, Mr. Jacob Varghese, Mr. Thomas T Oommen and Rev. Alex P Oommen.  Also UCMC has awarded plaques for each Vicars appreciating and recognizing their outstanding services to our community.

Executive Committee Meeting.

      The executive committee met 12 times during the last year from June to May 2004.

Regional level Christmas Carol service

The Combined Christmas Carol Service hosted by the Jubilee Memorial Church was held on 27^th December 2003 at 147 Campbell Ave, Williston Park New York, tells another success story of the Malayalam Congregations in North America.  The 2003 Combined Christmas Carol Service was intended to bring all the Malayalam Congregations together. First of all let me congratulate the Vicar Rev. George Cherian, the Church Committee and members of the Jubilee Memorial Church in making this function a great success.

                    The Christmas Carol Service started at 3.30 PM with a short service under the leadership of Rev. K Zachariah Eipe. Rev. George Cherian welcomed everybody.  The procession with more than 100 Choir members brought a heavenly atmosphere from the beginning while a gathering of 400 participants enthusiastically watching.  The Very Rev. Dr. P.S. Samuel, Core-Episcopa of the Orthodox Church was the main celebrant who delivered a great meaningful Christmas message. Eleven Malayalam Congregations from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania were invited to participate in the 2003 Combined Christmas Carol Service.  A total number of 400 participants were from the CSI Malayalam Congregations of Greater New York, The CSI Congregation of Hudson Valley, the CSI Jubilee memorial Church, Williston Park and the CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania clearly shows the unity of the Malayalam Congregations.

Rev. K. Zachariah Eipe (Philadelphia), Rev. Cherian Thomas, New York, The Very Rev. P.U. Paulose (Hudson Valley), Rev. George Cherian (Jubilee) were among the Vicars who were in the leadership role. Rev. Peter Daniel, Vicar of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, was also our guest for the program.  The junior most Malayalam Congregation in North America, the Emmanuel CSI Congregation of Atlanta was also surprisingly represented by Prof. Dr, Zachariah Oommen and   Prof. Sisy Zachariah and their three talented daughters Merin, Roshu and Susan, who sung a melodious Christmas Carol song to represent their Congregation.  The Combined Christmas Carol Service of 2003 was blessed by the able and dedicated Choir Masters and Organists, to name a few are: The Malayalam Congregations of Greater New York, Mr. Jacob John (Choir Master) Mr. Varghese Paul (Organist): The CSI Congregation of Hudson Valley, Mr.Arun Andrews Punnen (Choir Master), Miss. Carol Kuruvilla (Organist) : The CSI Jubilee Memorial Church, Mr. Ipe Kurian, Mr. Itty Ipe (Choir Masters)  Mr. Alex Kurian (Organist): The CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania Mr. Aji Sam Mathew (Choir Master) Mr. Jimmy John (Organist).  Also the success of the Combined Carol service was mainly due to the talented, co-coordinated and well disciplined efforts of the participated Choir members of the Malayalam Congregations. The prizes for the regional Sunday school completions were also distributed during the service by the Very Rev. P.S. Samuel, Core-Episcopa.  Mr. T. O. Oommen, Secretary of the Jubilee memorial Church thanked all who came and the dinner was served at the end.  We should have programs like this, regional and national level, combining all the Malayalam Congregations in North America and Canada.  The same should go for all the rest of the CSI language groups like the Tamil, Telunu and Kannada fellowships. May the God help the Council bring all the Four Language Groups of the CSI together under one umbrella, the Council and to help them grow and prosper.  May God bless you all the especially the CSI.

National Level activities

  The first National level Choir Festival organized by the Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations and hosted by the CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania was held on November 1st 2003. The Registration started at 8.00 AM in the morning and breakfast was served before the program began at 10.00 AM.

            The Festival was officially inaugurated after a short service, by the Vice President of the UCMC, Rev. Zachariah Eipe who is also the Vicar of the CSI Christ Church of Pennsylvania. The Congregation observed a one minute silent prayer in remembrance of the mother of Mr. M. G. Wesley and wife of Late Very Rev. M. K. George Malayil.

            UCMC General Secretary Mr. John Zachariah in his welcome speech read the message from the President of the UCMC, the Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese, Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel. "Let this be a time to strengthen the fellowship and unity among our members and Congregations..", the message continued to read. Also the Secretary informed that the Madhya Kerala Diocesan Executive committee met on September 16th 2003 unanimously approved the UCMC as a fellowship in North America that was welcomed by the crowd with great applause. The General Convenor of the event Mr. Sunil Philip presented the Theme "Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing." and introduced the program to the audience.

There were Nine Congregations participated in the festival and Churches from Huston and Canada could not attend. The following are the Congregations represented.

1. CSI Malayalam Congregation of Greater New York
2. CSI Jubilee Memorial Church, Williston Park, New York
3. CSI Congregation of Hudson Valley
4. CSI Christ Church of Pennsylvania
5. CSI Congregation of Dallas
6. Emmanuel CSI Congregation of Atlanta
7. CSI Congregation of Greater Lakes Detroit
8. CSI Christ Church of Chicago
9. CSI Congregation of Florida

The festival was blessed by the presence of the Vicars, the choir, the Choir Masters and the Organists from each of the above Congregations.

The following were the Bishop, Vicars and their Families who were present for the function.

1. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa-Bishop of the Marthoma Diocese of North America and Europe
2. Rev. Dr. John Joseph-Marthoma Church Diocesan Secretary of North America and Europe
3. Rev. Alexander Thomas-Ascension Marthoma Church-PA
4. Rev. Issac Johnson-Youth Chaplain Mathoma Diocese
5. Rev. John Mathai-Bethel Marthoma Church-PA
6. Rev. Cherian Thomas-Sea Ford
7. Rev. George Cherian-Jubilee Church
8. Rev. P.U. Paulose-Hudson Valley
9. Rev. Alex P Oommen-Dallas
10. Rev. Zachariah Eipe-Vice President of UCMC and Vicar Christ Church-PA
11. Mrs. Rev. Oommen George
12. Mrs. Rev. M. P.Joseph

               The competitions continued till 4.00 PM and the CSI Christ church in Pennsylvania became the over all Champion and the winner of the UCMC Ever Rolling Trophy, which was sponsored by the CSI Congregation of Dallas. The "Festival of Praise" worship program started at 6.00 PM with a short service in front of a larger audience including invited guests from in and around Philadelphia. The entire Choir members from the participating congregations together presented a wonderful musical night that the main speaker of the event the Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa, Bishop of the Marthoma Church Diocese of North America and Europe praised the melodious choir and the coordinator and said "the UCMC fellowship is a blessing to the CSI". The Marthomite Diocesan Secretary Rev. Dr. John Joseph also mentioned in his message that he felt that he was in the heaven for some time, he also appreciated  the unity and fellowship among the UCMC congregations. The trophies for the winners were distributed by the Coorilos Thirumeni, that was also sponsored by the CSI Congregation of Dallas. Special thanks to Mr. Mathew Joshua for procuring the trophies for the event.   Mr. Bobi Chandy, Detroit coordinated this event nationally. Mr. Jacob Varghese, treasurer of the UCMC and the General Convener of the 18^th CSI Family and Youth Conference invited the crowd for the Conference to be held on July 1^st to 4^th under the auspicious of the CSI Congregation of Dallas.

Mr. Sunil Philip, Juby, Julie, Aji and Lynn worked as leaders and M.C’s for the competitions. The UCMC representatives from the hosting church Mr. Jacob Korah and Mr. Benny Korah were also instrumental to the success of this festival. Mr. M.G. Wesley’s song and the message were touching. Alex Aching from Dallas helped change the crowd to a singing mood. The M.C. for the "Festival of Praise" Mr. Koshy Thalakkal recognized the leadership given by Mr. Babu Philip, who organized the "Festival of Praise" worship so beautifully. All the participants applauded Mr. Babu Philip. UCMC proudly acknowledge the talent and commitment shown by the following Choir masters and organists. Mr. Jacob John, Mr. Varghese Paul, Mr. Ipe Kurian, Mr. Itty Ipe, Mr. Aji Sam Mathew, Mr.Jimmy John, Mr. Bobi Chandy and Mr. M. G. Wesley. The program was over by 10.00 PM with the vote of thanks by Mr. Sunil Philip and benediction by Rev. Zachariah Eipe.

The Vicar, Church and the organizing Committees and all the members of the CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania deserves a lot of credit in organizing and hosting the First National Choir Festival. This First time event in the history of CSINA was very well planned and executed throughout and the hospitality shown was commendable. Breakfast, Lunch, evening snacks and Dinner was appreciated by all the participants. The General Convener Mr. Sunil Philip has done a marvelous job in making this Festival a grand success.

Welcome to the New Presbyters

UCMC welcomes Rev. George Cherian (Jubilee New York), Rev. John Philipose (Detroit), Rev. Saji K Cherian (Houston), Rev. Cherian Thomas, New York), Rev. Shaji Jacob Thomas (St. Mark’s Chicago).

Rev. Jacob Johnson (Park Ridge), Rev. T.J.John (Canada) and Rev. Joseph Mathew (Atlanta) who are expected to be here shortly.

New Congregation:

St. Marks CSI Church is added to the list of congregations with the UCMC. All the Vicars and members of the Union of the CSI Malayalam
Congregations in North America(UCMC) welcome Rev. Shaji Jacob, Kochamma
and children to the United States. Rev. Shaji Jacob and family arrived on
May 13th 2004, is deputed to the St. Mark's CSI Church in Chicago by the
Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel for a term of
3 years.  The members of the St. Mark's CSI Church were so
enthusiastically waiting for the arrival of the Achen and family that
they have made available everything possible including the fully
furnished Parsonage with telephone and email facilities and even the
groceries for a month.  UCMC is very fortunate to have a Congregation
like St. Marks as its member.  Congratulations to all the members of St.
Marks and UCMC wish Rev. Shaji Jacob Achen and family all the happiness
during their mission  in the United States

St. Peter’s CSI Congregation of Los Angeles.

UCMC is very pleased to congratulate all the members of the St. Peter’s CSI Congregation of Los Angeles and extend our best wishes and prayers in all your efforts.  UCMC is 100% behind you in every step of the way.  This was a long term ambition of the UCMC to have a worship place of our own in our name for the people in California and Rev. Dr. Sabu K Cherian(New York) and members of the UCMC have tried for years to bring  our members together there in LA as well as in San Francisco. It was time now and through you God had worked miracles. Congratulations again.   May God the Almighty shower His blessings in all what you do and may the first service be blessed we pray that this small gathering may grow in strength and become a great Congregation one day.   

       During our general meeting in Dallas on July 3rd, UCMC will announce the formation of St. Peter's CSI Church in Los Angeles and create a new UCMC region # 4 to cover the congregations on the  west coast.

Condolences

             Condolences to the family of Rev. K. Zachariah Eipe on the sudden demise of his dear mother and also extends our condolences to all those who lost their dear ones during this year.  

Future of UCMC in North America.

             UCMC has come up with a proposal to redefine the existing North American CSI Council thereby bringing all the Malayalam Congregations under one umbrella is not an easy task.  We urge the leaders of all the Diocese in South India should read the same and discuss the issues with an open mind then probably the proposal will make sense.  

To: The Synod Executive committee

CC: All the diocesan Bishops, Executive committee of the Madhya Kerala Diocese

All the CSI Churches in North America and Canada.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In just over a month or so, the sun will set and bid adieu to 2003, a very eventful year as far as the Church of South India is concerned. At this point of time, we, the UCMC, believe that it may bode well for all of us to pause and look back over the events of the past year.

Just as much water has flown down the Thames, so has a lot of mud, hurled at each other by none other than our very own CSI faithful's located in India as well as in the United States of America. Never has the establishment of any Christian organization generated so much of passion and/or controversy as the establishment of the UCMC.

We painfully recollect the misunderstanding and misconceptions created in the hearts and minds of the general populace by opponents of the UCMC. While a difference of opinion and opposition is prevalent in any vibrant democracy and a vital part of any democratic setup, it is the slander and character assassination against UCMC, its motives and its elected officials, that has helped drive a wedge between people, between churches, between dioceses and what have you. What is more painful is that these baseless accusations continue unabated even today, drawing more and more innocent people into an imbroglio, that many of us may not be able recover from in the years to come.

Introspection is therefore the need of the hour and accordingly, it has been decided that the UCMC will reach out once again, reach out to each and every one of you, reach out to the goodness of your hearts and minds, to accept us more for what we are rather than reject us for something that we are not.

Earlier this year, during the inception of the UCMC, an organizational chart was sent out to one and all which clearly defines where were stand in the big picture. Either this was views through a narrow prism or simply misunderstood. Contrary to the belief in some quarters, we reiterate that the UCMC is not against the Church of South India, the Synod of the Church of South India, any Bishop or Bishops of the Church of South India, the Clergy of the Church of the Church of South India or any member or group associated with the Church of South India. We have said this before and we would be gladly willing to reiterate this statement once again, if need be.

Another misconception that we would like to refute is that it was never the intention of the UCMC at any point, to operate as a parallel organization to the Council of CSI Church in North America. Of course, the functioning of the Council left much to be desired in our opinion and we stand by this opinion. However, it was some members of the Council, who perceived the UCMC to be a threat to its own existence and succeeded

in influencing the minds of many of you to look at us in a similar light. This is most unfortunate.

The Church of South India comprises of five distinct groups that differ in language, customs, beliefs, traditions. These are namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Jafna. We firmly believe that each of these groups has every right to develop themselves in every possible way and to grow and prosper. It is the duty of the Council to bring all these five groups together under its umbrella, an area of operation where the Council has failed to meet expectations.

Malayalam congregations have existed in the USA since the mid 70's and it is incumbent upon these congregations to join hands and work for our unified growth and development. The UCMC is merely a facilitator for this process. It is our ardent desire that the Kannada, Telugu and Tamil speaking groups also be given an opportunity to grow and progress, all within the framework of the Council. The UCMC is just one among the five different groups. Together, we can accomplish a lot in this country, provided the Council is able to provide us all with the direction that is result oriented, tolerant and extremely professional in its approach and conduct of affairs. The existing status-quo has to be dismantled and the Council needs to be re-organized as a viable organization under a new constitution.

It has come to our attention that during the recently concluded CSI Synod meeting in Chennai, there were Bishop's claiming to have anywhere between 10-40 congregations for each language group. If this is true, we urge all the concerned Bishops to come forward, identify all these congregations and initiate a process that will ultimately bring all of them together under the Council, an ideal situation that all of us, including the UCMC, would love to be a part of. Think of the potential for growth and progress if we could all unite as true representatives of the Church of South India in America.

           Based on the foregoing, we urge you all to kindly give this matter your attention and initiate a process that will bring us all together. The UCMC stands firmly behind you if such a union comes into being. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure the growth and progress of the Council for His glory. The UCMC respects the Synod, the Office of the Moderator, Bishops of all the 22 Dioceses and all other office bearers of the church.

Meanwhile, it would be very much appreciated if you would be accommodating enough to confirm your acceptance of the following:

(1) Permit the continuation of the UCMC under the Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese.

(2) Arrange to provide uninterrupted pastoral care for all congregations under the UCMC through the Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese.

(3) Permit the UCMC to initiate its own auxiliary fellowships such as the Men’s Group, Women’s Fellowship, Youth Group etc.

(4) Accept the need for the UCMC to conduct our own Annual Family Conferences, beginning with our first proposed conference in Dallas, Texas during the summer of 2004.

Other language groups that are in sync with the concept of the UCMC may also be offered the above privileges, so that they too may realize their true and maximum potential without being detrimental to the Council or its interests.

We are sure that you will give this matter your attention and look forward to hear from you in due course. If the Council is unwilling to accept positive change, there is absolutely no doubt that UCMC would be a much better choice and a more viable option. If the Councils balks for any reason, the UCMC would be willing to step in, don the mantle and provide the CSI faithful in America with the desired leadership.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact any of the UCMC office bearers. We hope that the spirit of this yuletide season will enable all of us to put the past behind us and focus on the future.

Wishing you all the best compliments of the season.

Sincerely,

UCMC Executive Committee

Reconciliation efforts to mend differences between the Council and UCMC

UCMC has been trying to engage a dialogue with the CSI Council, through Hudson valley Congregation who has been playing a mediation role, recently to resolve the differences so that there will be only one 18^th CSI Conferences in North America,  attached are correspondence for your information

(1)   To

        Committee Members of the CSI Council in North America

        Executive Committee Members of the UCMC

        Board of Trustees, CSI Congregation of Dallas

       Vicar and  Executive Members of the  Hudson  Valley

       February 20. 2004

Dear Friends in Christ,

           Greetings to you all in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is with great appreciation that the UCMC read the letters dated January 30^th and February 1^st 2004, sent to us by Mr. John Eapen of the CSI  Hudson Valley Congregation and carefully noted the contents.  We fully agree with your  views expressed in those letters and are in favor of appropriate  arrangements that help to ease the situation and go forward in co-existence.  UCMC has expressed itself on many occasions and the latest suggestions sent to the Moderator, the Deputy Moderator and all the Bishops, to redefine the CSI Council in North America is an excellent example of its kind. 

                With that aim in mind, we have informed Mr. Eapen our willingness to co-operate with the suggestions put forward by the members of the Hudson Valley Congregation for a peaceful solution.   We would like to re-confirm our verbal statements to Mr. Eapen as follows.

1.  UCMC announces its willingness to discuss the differences in re-defining         the CSI North American Council to a new level to meet the present day challenges.

2.  A Conference call will be set up for the first meeting between the executives of the UCMC and the Council which will only include the Vice-President, the Secretary, the Joint Secretary and the Treasurer.

3. Rev. P.U.Paulose of the CSI Congregation of Hudson Valley will moderate the conference call with the help of Mr. John Eapen.

4. This conference call meeting is to decide the place and time for the next meeting and the points that will be discussed in the forthcoming meetings.

         Let this be a start and may the Lord answer our prayers and bring us all together as that they all may be one.

Sincerely

Sd/-

John Zachariah

Secretary

Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations in North America.

Cc: Most Rev. Dr. B.P.Sugandar, Moderator of Church of South India

      Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel, Bishop of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese.

(2) puthuchira@juno.com>

To: JEAPEN6@aol.com

Cc: JEAPEN6@aol.com,RevKzach@Yahoo.com,Revroyoommen@yahoo.com, Puthuchira@Juno.com,csimkdbishop@sancharnet.in, rev_paulose@rediffmail.com,bbsoommen@netzero.net, Chuckin@prodigy.net,sak777@comcast.net,Jvarghese@absbc.org

Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 12:11:07 -0500

Subject: Re: Fwd: The dates for the meeting

Dear Mr. John Eapen,

        Thank you for your mail.  As we have written to you on the 20th of February 2004, copy attached, a conference call can be set up any day of our choice preferable between March 21st thru 23rd.  This will be to discuss the agenda as well as other matters of concern before a face to face meeting is arranged.   We are doing our best to come up with a date agreeable to the UCMC officers out of state to fly in for a face to face meeting before Easter and hopefully can give you a definite date during the conference call. The conference call system of conducting meetings are proved to be very useful, effective and inexpensive and we are very confident of its results. 

Thanking you   

For the UCMC Executive Committee

John Zachariah

Date: Thu, 11 Mar 2004 14:40:29 -0500

Subject: Reconciliation talk-UCMC/Council

      Dear Bishop Thirumeni Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel,

      During the past month UCMC was very much actively involved in bringing the tensions down between the Council and the MKD congregations. 

      The Council and the UCMC both agreed to come to the table while Hudson valley congregation playing a mediating role. Below are some of the points for discussion.  There will be no compromise on the conference.  We would like very much if Thirumeni look at the points below and advise and add anything if we omitted.  Looking forward to meet you in Dallas.

                     Also there is a suggestion that the UCMC congregations this year wants to bring T.M. John Achen as our convention speaker which is planned from

      August 1st week to October 1st week.  There are at least 8 congregations willing to participate.  Also waiting your comments on that too.

      With Regards

      Sincerely

      John Zachariah

Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations

Points that are to be discussed during the reconciliation meeting in

 re-defining the North American CSI Council.

1.  Formation of New Congregations.   There may not be any new Churches formed with in 25 Sq. Miles of another Church.

  2.   And there should be a minimum of 25 subscribed members before a new Church can be formed.

3.    If a new Church to be formed it should be with the permission of the Mother Church.

4.    Representation to the Council should be as per the number of subscribing members as re-defined in the constitution.  If less than 25 subscribing members to a congregation, that congregation should combine with the nearby congregation to send a council representative jointly.  Its combined members reach the 50 subscribing members they can send 2 representatives. Membership list will be verified by a team of elected council officers.

3.  Presbyter-in-Charge of a Congregation whether on deputation from South India or not should discontinue from service at the age of 65.  If those Vicars continue the service, they will not be allowed to represent the Council from their congregations.

4.  Proxy Votes should be discontinued.   Voting at the Council meeting is limited to only those who personally present at the meeting.

5.  Family & Youth conferences are to be held by individual Congregations as decided during the business meeting at the end of each conference.  The announcement concerning the future conferences at the Florida conference should be final. 

6.  The Bishop-in-charge of the North American Council should be from that Diocese where most of the Families are hailed from.  95% of the families in NA are Malayalam speaking and since 85% of the families are from MKD, Bishop Thomas Samuel of the Madhya Kerala Diocese should be the Bishop-in-charge of the North American CSI Council.  This should be written up in the council constitution.   If and when any other Language groups from South Indian has the majority, then the Bishop in charge should be from those dioceses.

7.  The structure within the Council should have all four major language groups i.e. Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Karnataka.  At present there are only Malayalam congregations as members in the council. UCMC (Union of CSI Malayalam Congregations in North America) represents all the Malayalam congregations in North America.   And the other three language groups also should be allowed to form their own fellowships. Each fellowship under each language groups should have the freedom to host their own Family & Youth Conferences, Auxiliary Fellowships programs regional and national level. The Council should connects all the language groups by having a Family &Youth conference for all the language groups thereby represents as a connecting hub for all the four language groups.  This should be added up in the Council's constitution. 

8.  Each CSI Congregation in North America has the freedom to adapt a diocese from South India in their choice. The Spiritual and Pastoral care should be from that respective Bishop.  In case of any disputes between congregations the decision of the Bishop-in-charge of Council should be final.

9.  Only vicars on active CSI Service are eligible as office bears in the Council.

10. Council members shall not be elected for more than two terms consecutively with out a gap for 2 years.

Dallas Conference

Attached please find a letter for clarification:

Dear Achen, Church Committee and Members of the Congregation,

  Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

                 We are writing this letter to the members of the CSI Families in North America with the intention of explaining certain facts about the 18th Family & Youth Conference in Dallas and also clarify the confusion caused by the Council Executives about the UCMC.

                  We, on behalf of the Dallas Congregation invite all you and your family to the  18^th CSI Family and Youth conference to  be held from July 1^st to July 4^th in Dallas Texas at the Crown Plaza Hotel at 14315 Midway Road , Dallas , Texas 75001 .

                     The 18^th CSI Family & Youth Conference in Dallas has been decided at the business meeting of the 15^th Annual Family Conference in Houston which has been ratified in Pocono’s and Florida conferences in 2002 and 2003 subsequently.  The moderator and the Synod Executive members are absolutely convinced,) that the Dallas Conference is the genuine 18^th CSI Family Conference and therefore the Most. Rev. Dr. B. P. Sugandhar, the Moderator of the Church of South India has given his consent to participate in the Dallas Conference. 

                         The members of the CSI families in North America are by this time very well realized that the New Jersey Conference is the product and outcome of a combined effort of Bishop K.J Samuel and the Council Executives and their friends who deliberately trying to destroy the unity of the Church of South India in North America, a continuation of the last four years misguided leadership. Bishop K. J.  Samuel during his term in the office as the Moderator of the Church of South India has brought shame to the whole CSI faithful as well as its sister Churches by consecrating Mr. K. P. Yohannan as Bishop. Among many other follies he also fabricated a situation for a third try as the Moderator of the Church of South India that has resulted in bringing our sacred religious institution to a Court battle.  I am confident that the members of the Church of South India in North America will wake up and realize the truth and act according to their conscience. 

                         Recent allegations from the Council Executives that the UCMC has gained the patent ship of the CSI Emblem and Motto for the purpose of monetary benefit is baseless and untrue.  Using the name Church of South India, and the CSI Emblem and Motto, or the CSI liturgy is the birth right of all the CSI members all over the world.  No dictator in the form of a Moderator or some of the mischievous executive council members and their friends will have the right to exercise control and dictate their will over any congregations just because they think they are the custodians of the above.    The Congregations who brings Vicars from Madhya Kerala Diocese that makes up 85% of the CSI members in North America went through a similar situation as above, gave us ample insight to take the precaution.  It is intolerable and inexcusable that being a layman a Council Secretary writes threatening letters and ‘show cause’ notices to Vicars in charge of congregations clearly shows the misuse of assumed power. UCMC cannot let anyone misuse the sacred name of our religious institution our forefathers kept sacred with great challenge including the CSI emblem and motto or our approved CSI Liturgy.                         

   UCMC is formed as a fellowship to connect all the Malayalam Congregations in North America . It is not against or parallel but will be a part of the which will connect all four language group fellowships i.e. UCMC, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Each of these fellowships should have the freedom to have their own Annual Family & Youth Conferences, regional and national level auxiliary meetings and seminars.  The Family Conference is not a function of the Council.   Once the Council is reestablished as a CSI Council ready to function as a connecting hub for all the four major language fellowship groups, the UCMC will be more than willing to transfer the patent ship of the CSI Emblem to the CSI of North America. Why should we need a Council or a Diocese just for the Malayalam Congregations as is the case right now?

                          UCMC has been trying to engage a dialogue with the CSI Council, through Hudson valley Congregation who has been playing a mediation role, recently to resolve the differences so that there will be only one 18^th CSI Conferences in North America that is in Dallas. but no reply has been received as of today.  It is quite unfortunate that the Council decided to announce a second 18^th Family Conference in New Jersey and it will damage the integrity of the CSI all around the world.

                          We hope that the CSI Council will realize the seriousness of their actions.  We request you all to pray for the unity of the CSI in North America. 

CSINA Web Site

          The Website owned by CSINA is managed by Mr. Shibu Kurian.  A considerable amount of time and energy was invested for many years by Mr. Shibu Kurian and $ 1600/- was spent for the last two years that has been donated to CSINA by Mr. Kurian.  Future yearly expenses of maintaining the site of $580/- is a responsibility of CSINA. This CSINA web site is an income generating source for UCMC.  At present, Detroit, Atlanta, St. Mark’s Chicago and our new congregation St. Peter’s CSI of LA are the congregations using the services through CSINA and a nominal yearly fee of $150/- is expected to be collected from them to maintain the site from this year onwards.

Logo

Executive Committee authorized Mr. Shibu Kurian to provide updates on the status of the Logo.

Appointment of Rev. Cherian Thomas as the UCMC Vice-President for the year 2004-05

Philadelphia

May 26, 2004

  To                                      

          All the UCMC Vicars, Church Committee and Congregation Members.

          All the UCMC Executive Committee and Board of Director Members.

          All the Directors of various UCMC Auxiliary Fellowships.

 Greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 I am greatly honored in announcing the decision our Bishop Thirumeni the Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel had taken in response to our request on May 6^th 2004 in appointing the UCMC Vice-President for the year 2004-2005.

It is hereby declared that the President of the UCMC and the Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel has appointed Rev. Cherian Thomas, Vicar of the CSI Malayalam Congregation of Greater New York, as the Vice-President of the UCMC for the year 2004-2005.

May I request all of you to work together with Rev. Cherian Thomas Achen and strengthen the UCMC in the coming years.

Sincerely Yours in His Service

Sd/-

Rev. K Zachariah Eipe

Vice President of the UCMC & Vicar of the CSI Christ Church in Pennsylvania

Cc: The Most Rev. Dr. B.P.Sugandhar-Moderator of the Church of South India        

       The Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel-Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese

Conclusion:

I thank the UCMC for giving me an opportunity to serve the fellowship as the Secretary for the year 2003-2004.   It was not an easy task to organize and establish a fellowship of this magnitude with the aim of bringing together all the Malayalam Congregations in North America.  There are a lot of trusts worthy and loyal member’s sincere efforts behind it.  I don’t attempt to name them because the list is very tall. Let me thank our UCMC President Bishop Thirumeni Rt.Rev. Thomas Samuel,  the Vice-President of the UCMC Rev. K. Zachariah Eipe, all the Achens, Executive committee members, Board of Trustee members, all the UCMC representatives and all the members who encouraged us with their loyal support from our UCMC Congregations., Mr. Babu Philip to name one of the many.   Thanks to Rev. George Cherian for his precious and judicious advises.   Without Mr. Shibu Kurian this would not have been possible.  Thanks to Mr. Jacob Varghese for his bold support.

                     By the Grace of God our organization has a name all around the Globe and it is our solemn duty to preserve it for the glory of our Lord.  It is an organization which keeps all of us together.  Those who take the oath as officers in the coming years should have a lot of integrity and must be loyal to the Madhya Kerala Diocese and respect the spiritual and administrative authority of our Diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. Thomas Samuel.  May God bless you all especially the Church of South India of North America and the UCMC.

Thanking you all again

Sincerely

     Sd/-

John Zachariah

General Secretary

Union of the CSI Malayalam Congregations in North America