Yesterday had a very interesting and helpful meeting with Revd John Davidson, Area Chairman North Madras. He trained at Bishop's College, Calcutta. The training fieldwork eg with Leprosy Mission as part of training. He trained out of his home area as each theological college has its own specialism.
He sees Leslie Newbigin as a role model and Saint - a man of ecumenism who went to the down-trodden and served the people. He was a man of dialogue, who talked with everyone. He spoken first class Tamil, with a simple teaching style. We heard the previous day of someone who unable to get into a church appreciated a sermon from outside. Afterwards he went into the church which was empty but for one person. He went back out looking for the Indian Tamil speaker. It was then pointed back towards Lesslie Newbigin.
His father having been quite opposed to Christian faith became a Christian and was much helped by Revd David Purushotaman, who worked with Lesslie Newbigin. When his father was newly convened and John a small child, Lesslie Newbigin visited their home. David encouraged his father to be ordained but he felt he should remain a headmaster. Encouraged by Lesslie Newbigin he became a catechist.
Each village has a Catechist who leads worship and preaches. They are not paid though receive a small honorarium each year if the Diocese can afford it. It was not possible this year due to the floods. They are trained and supported by the Diocese, who also provide sermon outlines. The Diocese has 250 priests who are responsible generally for 4-18 churches. There are 200 evangelists.
A man of dialogue who would talk with everyone. Simple teaching style. Excellent Tamil.
Lesslie Newbigin founded a Community Centre so that Christian faith could be engaging all the more with the wider world.
It now adjoins the Diosesan Training Centre. This has a focus on Christian training for those from the villages. It is managed by Revd Paul Pragasam.
Lesslie Newbigin also founded the Madras Christian Council for Social Service which celebrates 50 years this year.
In the afternoon we visit Christian Literature Society (CLS). The General Secretary Revd M Benjamin Inbaraj greets and welcomes us and introduces us to the work of CLS..They published a number of Lesslie Newbigin's books. These days they are developing and especial focus on publishing literature for catechists and others who are exercising a teaching ministry. I find aTamil Hymn/Song Book and a book with a selection of essays re Lesslie Newbigin and buys them.
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