We the delegates from the Church of North India , Church of South India and the Mar Thoma Church , assembled at Santhigiri, Aluva, Kerala from 7^th to 10^th March, 2004 , while thanking God Almighty for enabling us to come together, declare that we are one in Jesus Christ and convey the following message to the Churches in India .

The Communion of Churches has been constituted as a common united expression of the life and witness of the founding churches – Church of North India , Church of South India and The Mar Thoma Church.

Our spiritual pilgrimage for this journey began in 1973 with the constituting of the Joint Theological Commission, which resulted in the formation of the Joint Council of Churches in 1978. The effectiveness and relevance of this vision led us to formally form The Communion of Churches in India . We are in full communion in acceptance of the Bible, the Creeds and the mutual acceptance of one another’s Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry.

The CCI:

• Aims to serve as a common organ for visible manifestation of unity, witness and service.
• Will assist the churches to address the issues affecting and threatening life.
• Will focus on issues of peace, justice and integrity of creation.
• Will explore new avenues to share and affirm God’s love through diakonia.

WE AFFIRM

Ø      We have now formally accepted a common lectionary and liturgy to affirm our common identity and oneness in worship.

Ø      We see this as a divine moment to affirm unity in an increasingly divided world.

Ø      We affirm that this vision for unity and action will capture a holistic vision as we respond to God’s call to discipleship.

Ø      We, The Communion of Churches in India have now embarked upon this vision to affirm, promote, protect and sustain life, as our Biblical principle.

Ø      We affirm that the contemporary context of the country demands our united response through mission and action.

We now declare ourselves as The Communion of Churches in India . We invite all other churches to join in this pilgrimage of communion.

On behalf of the General Assembly of The Communion of Churches in India ,

Signed by the Presidium.

(1)   Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan

(2)   Most Rev. Z. James Terom, CNI Moderator

(3)   Most Rev. Dr. B.P. Sugandhar, CSI Moderator