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A Seminar Paper
On
Topic: National Mission Society, Indian Mission Society
Subject: Ecumenical Movements Submitted to: Rev. Biju Krishnan Submitted By: Danies Wilson
Introduction
In the early 20th century, the Indian Church experienced remarkable growth. The awakening of India’s cultural consciousness prompted educated Christian leaders to seek their identity within the context of Western mission societies. Missions began emphasizing development through local funding and resources. Additionally, early Church leaders, firmly rooted in the Christian faith, recognized the significance of evangelism carried out by the local Church. This awareness was driven by the zeal and passion for evangelism among indigenous faith leaders. Their fervor gave rise to indigenous mission societies, which became instrumental in fostering significant missionary efforts and driving substantial social transformations.
1. Early manifestations of the Modern Ecumenical Movement
The term "ecumenical" comes from the Greek word "oikumene," which means the "whole inhabited world" or "living in a house" when combining "Oikos" (house) and "meno" (to live). The adjective "ecumenical" or noun "ecumenism/ ecumenicity" is derived from the Greek word oikumene meaning the "whole inhabited world". The word in its turn is a combination of two words oikos for a "house" and "meno" for "to live" and thus may well be explained as "living in a house.^1 The modern Ecumenical Movement did not emerge in isolation; it had its roots in various historical developments. Scholars point out that events occurring in the mission fields during the 19th and 20th centuries played a crucial role in fostering unity and cooperation, which ultimately led to the formation of the modern Ecumenical Movement.
1.1. Historian’s views on the origins of the Ecumenical Movement
William Hogg identified four reasons for the rise of the Ecumenical Movement. They are: i. A series of missionary conferences held in the mission fields viz., India, China, Africa, Latin American Countries, and other places. ii. The Anglo-American conferences were held between 1854 -1900. iii. a series of consultations held at the home base of the mission agencies about unity and cooperation in the mission fields. iv. The founding of student movements for the propagation of the Gospel.^2 According to M.M. Thomas, the missionary movements are the reason because, through those movements, various denominational Churches were planted, which needed unity and (^1) O. L. Snaitang, A History of Ecumenical Movement: An Introduction (Bangalore: BTESSC, SATHRI, 2008), 11. (^2) William Richey Hogg, Ecumenical Foundations (New York: Harper, 1952), 177.
cooperation for their nourishment.^3 Ruth Rouse cites the Evangelical Awakening, the Evangelical Alliance, and the growth of ecumenical ideas in the native churches as reasons for the Modern Ecumenical Movement.^4
1.2. The Pietistic Movement and Evangelical Revival
The 16th Century Reformation gave rise to several church traditions. But by the early 17 century, Churches were faced with what Snaitang called as “…moral degradation, low spirituality and fragmented Christianity.”^5 Then the church in Europe witnessed a spiritual renewal in, what was known as pietism that led to a passion for the propagation of the Gospel to the so-called ‘heathen world.’ In Germany, it was pietism that led to evangelical revival. In the late 17th century and early 18th century, Halle became a centre for Pietism within Prussia. Pietism emphasised individual piety and personal transformation. It had a tremendous impact on Protestantism in North America and Europe. According to Snaitang, “the Pietistic Movement and Evangelical Awakening were significant contributing factors for the emergence of Modern Missionary Movements….” Evangelical awakening also emphasised personal transformation, the supremacy of the Bible, the uniqueness of Christ and holy life.^6
2. Modern Protestant Missions- Stimulus for Ecumenical Growth
The establishment of missionary societies played a vital role in advancing ecumenical initiatives and global missions. Inspired by the evangelical revival in England, societies like the Baptist Missionary Society (1792), London Missionary Society (1795), and others spearheaded mission work across Asia, Africa, and beyond, focusing on education, healthcare, Bible translation, and social upliftment. By 1914, there were around 45, Protestant missionaries worldwide.^7 In the early 20th century, indigenous mission churches and societies emerged, including the National Missionary Society of India (1907) and the Indian Missionary Society (1903). These organizations emphasized self-reliance, local leadership, and contextualized evangelism, reflecting India's growing national and indigenous awakening. Their efforts marked a shift from Western-led missions to locally driven initiatives, fostering significant social transformation and ecumenical collaboration.^8
3. Advent of Indigenous Missionary Organisations
The main thrust of the missionary organisations is building up of basic human communities, which should ultimately transform to basic Christian communities. This is achieved through animation and conscientisation. Conscientisation model deals with the root causes of the oppression existing and removes them by educating and emancipating the individual to (^3) M.M. Thomas, Recalling the Ecumenical Beginnings (Delhi: ISPCK, 1987), 15. (^4) Ruth Rouse and Stephen Neill, Voluntary Movement, and the Changing Ecumenical Climate (NP: SPCK, 1967). (^5) O.L. Snaitang, A History of Ecumenical Movement: An Introduction, 41. (^6) Samuel Raja Sekhar Bobbili, “Origins and Manifestations of the Modern Ecumenical Movement during the 19th and 20th Centuries and Its Developments in India,” JETIR 10, no. 7 (July 2023): 239–247, 241. (^7) Tom Stransky, “Missionary Societies,” in Dictionary of Ecumenical Movement, ed. Nicholas Lossky and Jose Miguez Bonino (Geneva: WCC Publications), 791. (^8) Samuel Raja Sekhar Bobbili, “Origins and Manifestations of the Modern Ecumenical Movement during the 19th and 20th Centuries and Its Developments in India,”243.
The Revolt of 1857 (Sepoy Mutiny) planted the seeds of nationalism in India, further fueled by English education, which enabled communication and the spread of nationalist ideas. In Kerala, Christians, alongside Hindus, played a significant role in the freedom struggle.^15 The National Missionary Society of India (NMSI), an indigenous and interdenominational Christian mission organization, was founded in 1905 with the principles of Indian Money, Indian Men, and Indian Management.^16 It aimed to place the responsibility of evangelizing India on Indian Christians and had a vision of sharing the Gospel with fellow Indians. Despite slow initial growth, NMSI maintained strong relationships with denominational churches and existing mission organizations. It focused on unoccupied mission fields while preserving its indigenous character, supported entirely by Indian Christians. NMSI worked in collaboration with the Indian Missionary Society (IMS), though it operated across India, Burma, and Ceylon with an interdenominational and indigenous outlook, unlike IMS. NMSI also played a vital role in unifying churches, leading to the formation of the Church of South India (CSI) in
1947.^17
3.1.1.3. Mission Work
The National Missionary Society commenced its mission work in the United Province (U.P.) in 1909, with Rev. J.W. Peoples as its first missionary. He carried out evangelistic efforts in various towns and villages, including Saraswa, Ambatta, Silkama, and Sabtonpur. Joining him were Mr. Vishnu Kumar and four other missionaries, who collectively led nearly 1, individuals to Christ. Rev. Peoples' wife, a medical doctor, served as an honorary medical missionary and, in 1913, established a free clinic in Salaswa, providing care to the surrounding communities. Later, Mr. Jayasukbal and Mr. Edmond Jacob also joined this mission field as missionaries.^18 The Christian population was high in southern India. Around two thirds of Christians lived in Tamil Nadu, so it was felt appropriate for NMSI to establish a mission field in Tamil Nadu. This led to the formation of Omalur and Jalarpet Mission field.^19
3.1.2. Indian Missionary Society
The Indian Missionary Society is an indigenous missionary congregation of priests and evangelist brothers. This congregation was founded by Rev. Father Gasper A. Pinto in the year 1941 in Varanasi, the holy city of Hindus, in Uttar Pradesh, India. The IMS was born in the southern soil on 12th February, 1903.^20
3.1.2.1. The Founding of the National Missionary Society of India
Rev. V.S. Azariah while working as Secretary of YMCA visited Jaffna in Sri Lanka where he came to know that the Sri Lankan Church has sent missionaries to Thondi in Tamil Nadu. Influenced by this Bishop Azariah became zealous in spirit and after arrival in India he met the prayer warriors in Palayamkottai and shared the need of a missionary organisation to evangelise India. Their vision has led, in God’s providence, to a massive mission through the (^15) George Joseph, The Life and Times of a Kerala Christian Nationalist (Hyderabad: Orient Longman, 2003), 23. (^16) Carol Graham, Azariah of Dornakal (London: SCM Press, 1946), 27. (^17) J.W. Gladstone, United to Unite: History of the Church of South India 1947–1997 (Chennai: CSI Synod, 1997),
(^18) A short History of the National Missionary Society of India (Tamil), (NMS Press: Madras, 1930), 46- (^19) A short History of the National Missionary Society of India (Tamil), 45. (^20) J. Princy, “Indigenous Movements and the Growth of The Home Missionary Society in India, 465.
Indian Missionary Society. Prayers got intensified and eventually on 12 February 1903 the Indian Missionary Society (IMS) has had its beginning in Chathiram where the Tirunelveli Diocese Printing Press is located now. The Indian Missionary Society as the first indigenous missionary movement has a mission to Fulfill among the most oppressed and downtrodden communities in the tribal belt of India.^21 The Society offers gospel to those communities with love, both by words and deeds. It uplifts the poor in their 90 mission fields spread over 15 states in India by giving them schooling and medical care. The Congregation is spread in 5 regions and undertakes preaching and missionary work in the rural areas of India. The IMS at present has 218 religious priests who takes care of 65 parishes.^22
3.1.2.2. Objectives of Indian Missionary Society
The Indian Missionary Society aims to work closely with local churches, strengthening their missionary efforts and fostering unity. It focuses on promoting local leadership to ensure outreach initiatives are culturally rooted and impactful. Central to its mission is the proclamation of the Gospel and teaching God’s Word to those who seek understanding. To address community needs holistically, the society builds schools in underserved areas, churches and prayer houses in neglected regions, and hostels for tribal students. It also supports the poor through rehabilitation efforts and provides medical aid in areas lacking healthcare facilities. These objectives reflect the society’s commitment to spiritual, social, and physical transformation in line with the Great Commission.^23
3.1.2.3. The Work of the Indian Missionary Society
The Indian Missionary Society, the first indigenous missionary movement, serves the oppressed tribal communities in India. It spreads the Gospel through words and deeds, uplifts the poor, and provides education and medical care across 90 mission fields in 15 states. The Society strives to free these communities from oppression, poverty, and superstitions, guiding them toward the Light with saving faith and serving love. IMS operates in 16 states with 509 full-time missionaries, 95 extension centers, 290 worship groups, and 165 active churches. It has reached 52,000 tribal converts, covered 37,000 villages, and run 6 schools, 17 tribal hostels for 1,000 students, 6 health centers, and 4 rehabilitation centers.^24
4. Similarity between NMSI and Indian Missionary Society
V.S. Azariah founded both the Indian Missionary Society (IMS) in 1903 and the National Missionary Society (NMS) later. IMS began in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli District to promote Gospel work within the region and remains the missionary wing of the CSI Tirunelveli Diocese. It motivated local Christians and churches, receiving strong support from Anglicans and others.^25 Inspired by IMS's success, Azariah initiated the NMS to undertake Gospel missions on a national and international scale. NMS operates independently, supported by various mainline churches, with governance through a Council meeting every three years. (^21) J. Princy, “Indigenous Movements and the Growth of The Home Missionary Society in India, 465. (^22) David M. Cheney, "Indian Missionary Society (Institute of Consecrated Life); Catholic-Hierarchy," Catholic- Hierarchy, accessed December 5, 2024, https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org. (^23) Indian Missionary Society, accessed December 5, 2024, http://www.imst.co.in/ourvision.php. (^24) Indian Missionary Society, accessed December 5, 2024, http://www.csitirunelveli.org/Ministry/ministry- ims.html. (^25) M.G. Manickam, ed., A History of the Indian Missionary Society, Tirunelveli—The First Hundred Years 1903– 2003: Centenary Celebrations Publication (Tirunelveli: IMST, 2003), 8.
Snaitang, O. L. A History of Ecumenical Movement: An Introduction. Bangalore, KA: BTESSC, SATHRI, 2008. Stransky, Tom. “Missionary Societies.” In Dictionary of Ecumenical Movement, edited by Nicholas Lossky and Jose Miguez Bonino, 791. Geneva: WCC Publications. A Short History of the National Missionary Society of India. Madras: NMS Press, 1930. Thomas, M.M. Recalling the Ecumenical Beginnings. Delhi: ISPCK, 1987.
Articles
Bobbili, Samuel Raja Sekhar. “Origins and Manifestations of the Modern Ecumenical Movement during the 19th and 20th Centuries and Its Developments in India.” JETIR 10, no. 7 (July 2023): 239–247. Princy, J. “Indigenous Movements and the Growth of The Home Missionary Society in India.” JETIR 5, no. 12 (December 2018): 463–471.
Webliography
Cheney, David M. "Indian Missionary Society (Institute of Consecrated Life); Catholic- Hierarchy." Catholic-Hierarchy. Accessed December 5, 2024. https://www.catholic- hierarchy.org. Indian Missionary Society. Accessed December 5, 2024. http://www.imst.co.in/ourvision.php. Indian Missionary Society. Accessed December 5, 2024. http://www.csitirunelveli.org/Ministry/ministry-ims.html.
