15/03/2024
In a bold display of solidarity and dissent, the Church of South India (CSI) organized a protest against the statements made by the Honourable Governor of Tamil Nadu regarding Bishop Robert Caldwell and Rev. G. U. Pope. The protest took place at the Protesting Ground Valluvar Kottam in Chennai on March 13, 2024.
Presided over by the General Secretary of CSI, Mr. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, and graced by the Moderator In-Charge of CSI, Rt. Rev. Dr. K. Reuben Mark, the protest drew the participation of the bishops from various dioceses of Tamil Nadu. Notable attendees included Rt. Rev. H. Sharma Nithiyanantham, Bishop CSI Vellore Diocese; Rt. Rev. Timothy Ravindar, Bishop CSI Coimbatore Diocese; Rt. Rev. Dr. Jeyasingh Prince Prabhakaran, Bishop CSI Madurai-Ramnad Diocese; Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Chandrasekharan, Bishop CSI Trichy-Tanjore Diocese; Rt. Rev. ARGST Barnabas, Bishop CSI Tirunelveli Diocese; and Rt. Rev. Dr. A.R. Chelliah, Bishop CSI Kanyakumari Diocese.
The protest was also attended by esteemed guests including Honorable Mr. Inigo Irudhayaraj MLA, Honorable Mr. Thol. Thirumavalavan M.P, Mr. Prince Gagendra Babu, Prof. Dr. David Prabhakar, and Rev. S. Augustine Premraj, Honorary Secretary of CSI Madras Diocese.
Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasized the importance of solidarity with the Tamil-speaking society, the rich heritage of the Dravidian linguistic family. They highlighted the contributions of Missionaries to education, healthcare, and fostering unity in diversity.
Approximately 5000 congregants, including Church Leaders, dignitaries from diverse organizations, linguistic researchers, spanning from Kanyakumari to Vellore, participated in the protest, wielding placards and printed boards expressing their support. The presence of press and media personnel underscored the significance of the event, ensuring its reach to a wider audience.
The organizers (CSI) extended their sincere gratitude to the police officials for permitting and facilitating the protest, as well as to the Greater Chennai Corporation for their necessary permissions and the service staff for their contributions.