The Lotus and the Cross

If August 15th of 1947 was a red-letter day in the history of our country for on that day was born a free and independent India, September 27th of the same year was another red-letter day in the history of the Christian Churches for on that day was born new Church of South India.  Never in the history of the world in one country have two great events of such far reaching importance occurred within the  span of less than two months.  It is providence that the Church of South India was born free indigenous and autonomous in the same year as the country attained its political freedom.

We have now come to a stage where we begin to perceive the true nature of the responsible unity we have sought for.  Any union is an ongoing process of growing together into perfect unity, transcending some of the barriers and overcoming the difficulties which come in the way.  Living together and working together with a sense of mission is an art which the  church has mastered through its able leaders and no doubt we have crossed the 51st milestone successfully.  But let us not forget that the unity is the gift of the Spirit.  It is not what we have created or achieved but the sphere of life into which we were drawn by the sprit.

Church is a complex of personal relationships.  Life in the church is life together.  It speaks of the qualities that people should possess, their attitude to one another. The symbols, the lotus and the cross, used in the logo of the  church possess a rich cultural heritage which will help us understanding of our call and mission.

Lotus, a typical Indian flower, is a temple flower.  Mythologically it is supposed to be the seat of the creator.  Pankajam one of the Indian names of lotus has a very significant meaning, it mean 'that born in mud'.  This flower blossom at the sunrise and withers away after sunset, in other words it lives as long as it receives the sunrays, hence it is also called 'THAMMIPUVE' the flower of the sun.  All these meaning attributed to the flower suit us well to interpret the position, nature and role of the people in the bond of union.

The petals of the lotus and the cross are beautifully kitted together with the firy-tongues of the Holy Spirit.  It is an authentic Indian expression of people's communion with God.  The original colors, red (for life) and purple (for piety and ecclesiastical) in white backdrop implicity communicate the nature of the mystical union, where, an inseparable companionship is established which, again, a typical India thought form.

The words "THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE, CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA" are embossed in a circle round the lotus and the cross.  The words, as we know, are taken from the high priestly prayer of Jesus Christ who prayed not only for the 'Church' but also for the whole world.  This universality is portrayed by placing the words in a form of circle, a symbol which also represents the universe.

"That they all  may be one;  that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.. (John 17:21)", is an inclusive affirmation which explicitly shows the centrality of Christ and the church, his body.  Since it is also, the prayer of the Church that it is not only churches but all people of India to be united, a prayer for national integration is well taken care of in the emblem.

The imposing central position of the cross in the  logo conveys the idea that it was the indefatigable, selfless supreme sacrifice that was made by Jesus on the cross is the base of the Church.  Cross runs through the lotus, as it is  painted; it depicts the cleansing act of the cross, working in the hearts of its members, helping to get rid of the mud in which were born and restoring them to the pristine purity.

The four ends of the cross painted in deep color indicating that it is the cross that guides all members inside and outside to join in one stream to pray and labour unitedly for a peaceful coexistence and communal harmony.  It is said that the world waits for the true interpretation of St. John's gospel from an India mystic.  Our logo bridges the gap to certain extent! Saints, prophets, philosophers, theologians still unborn may yet produce many more to whom perhaps in a greater measure that before the truth of God will be revealed and through them to the whole world.

    Dass Babu

Editorial - The South India Churchman, September, 1986                 sak777@attbi.com     last updated 01/16/06