The church of South India: progress, practice and problems 1960 to 1970

Abstract

The study sets out to determine the driving forces and distinctive nature of the Church of South India through an examination of her life in the decade 1960 to 1970. Chapters one and two consider the negotiations leading to reunion and the theological basis of the United Church so providing a standard with which to assess progress in the decade under review. Subsequent chapters study selected aspects of C.S.I. life both at diocesan and at pastorate level. Administration and organisation are first considered with four topics chosen as indicative of recent trends in the church. C.S.I. membership is examined in chapter four. There are several headings, each considering a particular group within the church some of which exist for ecclesiastical or practical purposes while others are simply divisive. Missionary work is studied separately with particular emphasis paid to evangelistic work undertaken by C.S.I. members in the field. Relations with other churches in South India and with founder bodies abroad are reviewed in chapters six and seven respectively. The study deliberately adopts a positive approach to the United Church, but takes seriously the many problems with which it is faced, considering these as and when appropriate in the text. A concluding section summaries what are thought to have been lines of advance in the United Church apparent in the 1960s. Current questions and emphases within C.S.I. which were noted in the text are here brought together and probable priorities in the 1970s are also indicated.