A Pilgrimage to India

Introduction

Discovering the Vibrant Ministries in South India

Missionary Roots in India

A Journey of Discovery

Photos

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Introduction

Bishop Mark Sisk hopes to see every parish in the Episcopal Diocese of New York engaged in local and global mission. To foster mission with overseas churches, Bishop Sisk has been developing relationships with churches and dioceses around the world.

When the Bishop of Madras, the Rt. Rev. Dr. V. Devasahayam, came to visit the Episcopal Diocese of New York last year, he invited Bishop Sisk to come to India. In response, a group from the Diocese traveled to the Diocese of Madras to represent Bishop Sisk and to set the foundation for joint mission programs with the two Dioceses.

In February, Archdeacon Michael Kendall and the Rev. Gideon Jebamani led the group from New York, which included the Rev. Chloe Breyer, St. Mary’s, Manhattanville, Manhattan; Anne Gorrissen, St. Bartholomew’s, Manhattan; Kay Grant, St. Andrew’s, Bronx; the Rev. Margaret Howland, retired Presbyterian minister from Yonkers; Anne Kendall, Grace, White Plains; Florence Maduro, Christ Church Riverdale, Bronx; Yvonne O’Neal, St. James’, Manhattan; Johanna Shafer and Penelope Wheeler, both of Regeneration, Pine Plains.

The Diocese of Madras, a part of the non-denominational Church of South India, focuses on ministry to Dalits, the “untouchables” who are below all ranks in the Indian caste system and make up one-fourth of the Indian population. They are often denied access to education and work almost exclusively in menial labor.

“To share in the ministry of the Diocese of Madras is to walk with Jesus as we know him in the New Testament,” Kendall said. The ministry is “direct, loving, helping and empowering,” especially the work with the Dalits. “The Diocese of Madras is an integral and leading part in the Dalit struggle for justice and human rights.”

He added, “There are many models for ministry and mission in the Diocese of Madras that we in the Church in the United States can learn from.”

For more information about getting involved with ministry in the Diocese of Madras, contact Kendall at 212-316-7432 or mkendall@dioceseny.org.