“How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
The Jaffna Diocese of the Church of South India joyfully hosted an Inter-Cultural Study Programme for the clergies of the Anglican Area Council of the Karnataka Central Diocese (KND CSI) from September 14–19, 2025 in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
This programme was a collaborative effort between the Jaffna Diocese and the Anglican Area Council of the KND CSI, creating a meaningful space for learning, dialogue, and mutual enrichment across cultures and contexts.
Theological Reflection and Exchange
The central theme of the study programme was “Missio Dei: Knowing the OTHER.” The Rt Rev Dr V. Pathmathalayan, Bishop of the Jaffna Diocese, led thought-provoking sessions with a keynote paper that invited participants to reflect deeply on how God’s mission calls us towards understanding the “other” in diverse life situations.
The discussions allowed clergy from KND CSI to engage with questions, share experiences, and wrestle together with new perspectives on mission and ministry.
Visiting Sites of Pain and Hope
A significant part of the programme was the pastoral visit to Mullivaikal in the Vanni region, a place where thousands lost their lives during the civil conflict. This experience grounded the discussions in the lived realities of suffering, resilience, and hope. The visiting clergy were deeply moved as they encountered the narratives of communities bearing scars of war yet embodying faith and perseverance.
Building Bonds of Fellowship
The programme was enriched by the fellowship between leaders and clergy of both dioceses. From KND CSI, the following leaders graced the occasion:
- The Rt Rev Martin C. Borgai, Bishop in KND CSI
- Mr. Vijaykumar V. Dandin, Diocesan Chief Administrative Officer
- Rev. Sunil Kumar, Anglican Area Council Chairman
- Rev. Ravindranath Joseph, Diocesan Vice-President
- Mr. Wilson Joseph Maily, Honorary Secretary
- Rev. Satyababu Samuel, Honorary Treasurer
- Rev. Samuel Calvin, Associate Secretary
- Mr. Vijay Amrut Rajan, Associate Treasurer
They were joined by Rev. Derick Christopher (Area Vice-Chairman), Rev. J. Nicholas (Council Secretary), and all clergy of the Anglican Area Council of KND CSI.
Strengthening Mission Together
The Jaffna Diocese expressed joy in walking alongside the clergy of KND CSI through this collaborative endeavour. The shared study, exposure visits, and life experiences fostered deep fellowship and broadened horizons for ongoing partnership in mission.
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19)
The Diocese of Jaffna looks forward to nurturing this friendship and continuing the journey together in faithful witness to the gospel of Christ in both lands
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