CSI Church, Kuwait

CSI Church, Kuwait

MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURE

Christians of Kerala

Even though the Kerala Catholics follow the religious practices of Roman Catholics world over, they have much in common with other Kerala Christians. They follow Syrian rites as opposed to Latin rites. As stated earlier Roman Catholics along with other Christian groups use Malayalam language for service and follow certain local customs and traditions during weddings funerals etc. A Kerala catholic, while accepting papal authority and mainstream Roman Catholic practices might be inclined to feel more at home with other Kerala Christian groups socially and culturally.

The CSI Church in Kerala had its beginnings mostly from Anglican missionaries who had converted the local population. However later on they united with the Basil Mission, Presbyterians and Baptists and formed the group called Church of South India. As in the case of Catholics these various groups follow largely the religious practices of their parent groups world over. However linguistically, socially and culturally they have much in common with other Kerala Christian groups.

In addition to the afore mentioned major groups, the early St. Thomas Christians have now spread out to about 30 groups in Kerala. Among them are such groups as the Chaldeans and the Pentecostals. At the time of Mar Thoma 6th, a visiting bishop named Mar Gregorios elevated a priest from the Kattumangattu family to bishop hood. This group came to be known as Thoziur' church.

Travancore-Cochin Anglican church is a break away faction from CSI going back to 1966. Brotherans, a break away faction from the Baptists having their headquarters in Kumbanadu near Thiruvalla.
Salvation Army originated in London, England in 1878. William Booth was its founder. Salvation army came to the state in 1878. They centered their activities in southern Travancore.

Yuyomayam was started by an Anglican priest Yusthoose Youseph. He was also known as 'Vidwan Kutty' and was the son of a Brahmin from Thirunalveli.

DeivaSabha was started by a Methodist priest from the U.S.A in 1884. A Kerala branch was established in 1910.

Russel Church , otherwise called 'Jehovah's witnesses' was started by C.T.Russel in U.S.A. The Kerala branch was established in Mallappalli in 1925.

Lutheran mission run by followers of reformist Martin Luther established themselves in Perurkkada near Trivandrum in 1911. They operate in some 70 centers in sothern Travancore.
The miracle crusaders are fast gaining ground in the state. In a small town Potta near Trichur, Father Naickam Parambil is attracting thousands of devotees.

While the Church in the West is still Evangelical, in India the focus of the main line Church is social. There is also a strong ecumenical movement. Today Kerala Christians are a prosperous community commanding extraordinary political clout. The religious practices of this group were shaped in the place of origin and are dominated by Church services which follow traditional patterns. Their basic belief is in the Christian doctrine and life after death. The clergy laity relationships are very strong. Syrian Christians have strong and active religious organizations and a majority of the people attend Sunday Church services. Church services are conducted in Malayalam with some segments often in Syriac. Baptism is practiced by all Kerala Christians. The Episcopal Churches emphasize child baptism and use sprinkling of water in the name of the Triune of God. Believer's baptism by immersion in water is practiced by Pentecostal groups. The Lord's Supper is celebrated by various groups and the Aramaic word Qurbana which means "offering" is used for the practice. The Greek word "Eucharist" which means thanksgiving is also used and is an expression of one's renewal of faith and participation in the death and suffering of Jesus Christ.

The Eucharist liturgy of the Syrian and Mar Thoma Churches stem from Eastern traditions and is based on the liturgy of St. James. The liturgy of the Roman Catholics is western. The liturgy of the Church of South India combines elements from both these. Pentecostal Churches do not follow a definite liturgy. The mainline Churches also practices Kayyasturi (in Malayalam) an oriental custom meaning kiss of peace, which enhances the celebration of the Lord's Supper. It is done by a form of eastern handshake. The Pentecostal's also practice this, but in their case the brothers kiss brothers and sisters kiss sisters. The manner of celebration of the Lord's Supper varies from denomination to denomination. Syrian Christians use several accessories such as the bells, the veil, the altar, the cross,the coverings and the candles.