History of CSI in North America
From humble beginnings to the establishment of the Diaspora Diocese
A Journey of Faith and Community
The history of the Church of South India (CSI) in North America begins with the migration of CSI families from India. As these families settled abroad, they sought to preserve their faith, traditions, and way of life.
The Beginning
CSI families began forming informal congregations with the goal of raising their children in the CSI tradition. Between 1970 and 1980, members primarily from the Madhya Kerala Diocese, along with a small number from the South Kerala Diocese, took the initiative to establish CSI congregations in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Houston, and Dallas.
First Organized Worship
Rt. Rev. T. S. Joseph led a CSI order worship service in the United States, marking an important milestone in the organized worship life of CSI families.
Ordination of Pastors
Qualified candidates were ordained as pastors by Rt. Rev. M. C. Mani, strengthening pastoral leadership among the congregations.
First Youth and Family Conference
Chicago hosted the first CSI Youth and Family Conference. This conference became a lasting tradition and continues to be held once every two years.
Moderator's Visit
The conference was attended by the CSI Moderator, The Most Rev. Victor Premsagar, reflecting growing recognition and support from the wider CSI leadership.
Joint Meeting in New York
The Most Rev. Victor Premsagar convened a joint meeting in New York to discuss the future of CSI families in North America. During this visit, he also met with partner churches within the Anglican, Episcopal, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ traditions.
Adhoc Council Formation
An adhoc council was formed at the North American Family and Youth Conference in Toronto, Canada, under the leadership of the then Moderator, Most Rev. V.P. Dandin and Madhya Kerala Bishop Rt Rev. Dr. M.C. Mani. Rev. Thomas K. Oommen, Mr. Koshy George, and Mr. Alen John were appointed as conveners.
Council Inauguration
A significant organizational milestone was reached with the formation of the Council of CSI Congregations in North America, inaugurated under the leadership of Moderator The Most Rev. V. P. Dandin.
- CSI Moderator Most Rev. V.P. Dandin
- Former CSI Moderator Rt. Rev. Dr. Victor Prem Sagar
- CNI Moderator Most Rev. Chandu Lal
- Jacobite Bishop His Grace Zacharias Mar Nicholovos
- Orthodox Bishop His Grace Dr. Thomas Mar Makarios
- Marthoma Bishop Rt. Rev. Zacharias Mar Theophilus
- Representatives from Episcopal and UCC churches
First Elected Leadership: Rev. Thomas K. Oommen (Vice President), Mr. Mathew Oommen (Secretary), and Mr. Bobby Chandy (Treasurer).
Constitution Revision
The Council revised and amended its Constitution under the supervision of the Moderator, The Most Rev. Govada Dyvasirvadam, to better address the evolving needs of CSI congregations in North America.
Search for Headquarters
Then-Moderator The Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen encouraged the Council to search for a property to serve as its headquarters and raise funds for that purpose.
First Diocese Request
The first formal request to establish a diocese in North America was submitted to the CSI Synod Executive Committee.
Administrator Request
The Council requested Synod to appoint an administrator for CSI congregations in North America. The Synod received this request during the Family and Youth Conference held in Houston, attended by The Most Rev. Thomas K. Oommen (Moderator), Rev. Dr. Daniel Rathnakara Sadananda (General Secretary), and Adv. Robert Bruce (Treasurer).
Historic Resolution
During the Open Forum of the 33rd Family and Youth Conference in Philadelphia, the forum unanimously resolved to request the CSI Synod to approve a Diaspora Diocese of the CSI to strengthen CSI congregations in North America. The CSI Moderator, Deputy Moderator, Madhya Kerala Diocesan Bishop, and CSI General Secretary were present for this historic decision.
Diocese Formation Committee
The Diocese Formation Committee, formed and approved at the Council meeting held on July 6–7, 2022, sent letters to all churches requesting detailed information, including the number of churches, families, assets, and financial background of all CSI churches in the USA.
Memorandum to Synod
The Diocesan Formation Committee sent a memorandum to the synod regarding the formation of the Diaspora Diocese, along with the summary of survey report of the CSI Congregations in North America.
Synod Presentation
At the 37th session of the CSI Synod meeting in Hubli, a delegation led by Rev. Sam N. Joshua (Vice President), Prof. Dr. Zacharia Oommen (Secretary), Mr. Daniel Cherian (Treasurer), Mr. Mathew Joshua (Diocesan Formation Secretary), Mr. Koshy George, Dr. Beena Mathew, and Mrs. Ammini Cherian, presented further details regarding the proposed Diaspora Diocese.
Diocese Established
Most Rev. A. Dharmaraj Rasalam officially announced the establishment of the CSI Diaspora Diocese, encompassing CSI congregations in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and the United Kingdom. A 15-member administrative committee was appointed to oversee the newly formed diocese.
Constitution Draft
An initial draft of the Constitution, along with the draft Vision and Mission statements, was submitted to the Synod Office for review.
Administrative Committee Reconstituted
Following subsequent developments after the formation of the diocese, the Administrative Committee was reconstituted to continue guiding the diocese forward.
A Living Legacy
From the early gatherings of CSI families in the 1970s to the establishment of the Diaspora Diocese in 2023, this journey reflects the unwavering faith, dedication, and vision of countless individuals who worked tirelessly to preserve and strengthen the CSI community in North America.
As we continue to grow and serve, we honor those who came before us and remain committed to nurturing the spiritual life of CSI families for generations to come.