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Rev. Dr P.C. Singh met with World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit on 10 October to discuss the ecumenical movement - today and tomorrow.
Singh, moderator of the Church of North India (CNI), is also president of the National Council of Churches in India and president of the Ecumenical Church Loan Fund of India. Later he met the WCC Communications for an interview.
“It’s God’s grace” is Singh’s favourite way of speaking about his work. “I am privileged to be the moderator at this point in time because I am witnessing and also celebrating the 50-years union,” he said. “It is a uniting church.” Singh was referring to the Church of North India, the largest church in India, (geographical coverage) covering 25 Indian states which will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. He also spoke enthusiastically about the church’s planned attendance at the upcoming WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany in 2021.
Singh was also able to touch upon some of the challenges facing the Church of North India. “The Church of North India operates in a challenging context where the Christian population is very minimal. Although we cover 25 states, the Church of North India only has a membership of about 2 million.” Although he also addressed the challenges of operating in a nationalist government as a minority religion, he was encouraged by the work being done by churches in India.
Helping our neighbours
Being a man heavily involved in the ecumenical movement in several capacities, Singh talked about the importance of helping those who are downtrodden and in need. Talking about his work with the Church of North India, he stated: “The ministry of the Church of North India is carried out without any discrimination on the basis of caste, colour and ethnicity with all people of faith and all walks of life.”
He highlighted the importance of unity and serving those in need regardless of background. He spoke about his work with the Ecumenical Church Loan Fund of India, an impact finance organisation giving business loans to those in need as a way to change their lives. “The people we serve are downtrodden and they have no opportunity to start or to do business,” he explained. “We provide people with loans to do business and through that loan their lives change.”
He also touched on some of the work that is still needed to be done related to the ECLOF with regards to its interest rates. Singh stated: “I think the rate of interest is too high. It is higher than some of the bank’s interest rates in India. Besides’ they are charging high membership fees as well.” Singh expressed his gratitude for the opportunities to lead several ecumenical organisations in India today. “I am happy that my people and my church have bestowed their trust in my leadership”, he concluded.
