The Staff Welfare Association organized a Cultural programmed virtually to enable the BSI Staff to have a time of relaxation to the body and rejuvenation to the mind. It was very innovatively done through virtual. It was a time to experience God given talents to individuals as well as groups. The staff presented a skit on the title “Lockdown Diaries” which spoke about the impact of lockdown on people from different walks of life . The BSI team virtually presented a pre-recorded multi-lingual song beautifully.
The Bible Society of India observed the 13th Anniversary of Kandhamal Day as a day to commemorate the onslaught of Christians living in Kandhamal town at Phulbani District in Odisha in the year 2008, resulting in many horrifying deaths, and destructions of Church buildings, individual houses, shops and loss of huge properties. Thousands of them are left in deep pain, with immense traumatizing memories as innocent girls and women were gang-raped, many were arrested as culprits, some were convicted for life imprisonment.
Mr. Anto Akkara, a renowned Journalist at the National and International level from Thrissur, Kerala was our Guest Speaker of the day. Mr. Anto Akkara, along with committed lawyers, is tirelessly pursuing justice for those victims of violence for the Christians in Kandhamal. With his rich experience in journalism and case studies, with the practical knowledge of the Indian Penal Code as a degree holder of the Bachelor of Legislative Law or Legum Baccalaureus (LLB), and as a Christian activist, Mr. Anto had shared his deep personal experience and the testimony of faith that he came across in the past 13 years. He concluded his sharing with a remark saying “Kandhamal experience is no more a painful tale to tell, but it is a story of Christian faith in Christ and a story of the people of God who are the peacemakers in the midst of struggles for Human Rights, Justice, and Dignity. It is a story of borderless love as neighbors living in Kandhamal town irrespective of their tribes, castes, and faith.”
Mr. Anto, through his personal prayer unveils the long and winding roads he still needs to travel until all the victims of injustice are acquitted from Conviction of Life Imprisonment for a crime they had never committed by the High Court of Odisha. Let us earnestly join Mr. Anto as he prays:
“Oh, my Jesus, you crucified despite being innocent. Hundreds are undergoing captivity and imprisonment worldwide for no fault of their. Your folks in Kandhamal jungles of Odisha gave heroic witness when they were asked under death threat to forsake their faith in you in 2008. Dozens of them embraced martyrdom for their faith. Thousands held on to their faith even after their Churches were destroyed, houses were plundered and they were banished from their villages.
As the violence subsided, seven innocent Christiana were branded as ‘murderers’, put behind bars and convicted to life imprisonment. Eleven years later, all of them have been released on bail by the Supreme Court of India. We thank you, Lord, for that relief to the innocent Christians. However, appeal against their conviction of life imprisonment for a crime they never committed is still pending before the High Court of Odisha.
“Ask and you will be given,” Lord You taught us. We humbly beseech You to ensure acquittal of these innocents at the earliest so that the conspiracy theory against Christians is disproved, paving way for truth and justice to prevail.
We entrust the struggling families of these seven to Your care and protection. Lord, bless the valiant Christians for their heroic witness in Kandhamal, soaked in the blood of martyrs.” Amen.
The 75th Independence Day of our Nation was celebrated in all our offices across the Nation and we are thankful to Colleagues for their cooperation. At the central office it was held at the William Carey Centre, Bangalore on the 15th August 2021 at 07.30 AM. There was an encouraging response to it from the Staff who travelled from near, far and wide. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Suna, Assistant Director, Publishing and Marketing (Product & Logistics) anchored the programmed. Mr. Cyril D’Souza, Assistant Director, Marketing & Publishing read the Scripture portion. Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko, General Secretary, BSI hoisted the Indian National Flag. Rev. Dr. N. Subramani, Assistant Director, Translations shared the Word. Rev. Shashikala Alva B S, Auxiliary Secretary, BSI Karnataka Auxiliary interceded for the nation.
The theme of International Youth Day 2021 is, “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health,” with the aim of highlighting that the success of such a global effort will not be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people.
International Youth Day was observed in all our offices by following the special Order of Service prepared by BSI Jabalpur Auxiliary. Staff of respective Auxiliaries and the Central Office took active part in the Morning Prayer.
Prayer of thanksgiving was offered for the love and care for each other. A time to introspect was offered to confess our ignorance and be insensitive to the people around us. Scripture portion for reflection was chosen from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Staff in each of the offices shared their views and reflections from the above-mentioned Bible portion.
Intercessory Prayer was offered for the young people of our land and thanked God for the trees of the earth and all that they provide – wood for the houses we build, food that we eat, and air that we breathe.
We are aware that on the 10th of August every year, we remember our demand to include Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in the Scheduled Caste list. This year, we have designated it as the National Protest Day to protest against this injustice meted out to a section of Indian citizens. You are also aware that in 2013, National Council of Churches in India has filed an impleading application in the Supreme Court of India in the Civil Writ petition (180/2004) which is pending before the Hon’ble Court. In January 2020, the Supreme Court of India agreed to examine the plea to make reservations “religion neutral” so that Dalit Christians and Muslims too can benefit. The plea is pending before the court.
On 10th of August we remember, the infamous Presidential (Scheduled Caste) Order 1950 which was signed 71 years ago by the then President of India, which says “No person who professes a religion other than Hinduism shall be deemed to be a member of the scheduled caste” which was later amended to include Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990) in the Scheduled Caste net. On account of this, Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin continue to be kept out of the Scheduled Caste list thereby denying them privileges in education, getting scholarships, employment opportunities, right to contest in the reserved constituencies, availing legal remedy/protection under SC and ST (Prevention) of Atrocities Act 1989 as amended in 2018, and such other affirmative actions. This is clear discrimination against Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims based on religion, and a violation of the freedom of religion and belief which is guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
We realize that our 71 years of struggle for justice should be supported by all people who believe in equality and democracy. The Supreme Court has a monumental opportunity now to render justice to millions of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims who continue to suffer from social stigma and the horrors of un-touchability.
SPECIAL PRAYER
Dear Outcast Lord,
Open our eyes, that we who seek to follow You may recognize Your face in the faces of those who are been denied privileges in education, getting scholarships, employment opportunities, right to contest in the reserved constituencies, availing legal remedy / protection under SC and ST (Prevention) of Atrocities Act and such other affirmative actions.
Open our ears, that we who seek to hear Your Word, may recognize Your love in the stories which are often drowned out.
Open our hearts, that we who seek Your way of life may be bold in witnessing to Your longing for justice and Equality.
Lord, we often hear it said that ‘The Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims suffer from social stigma and the horrors of untouchability.’ ‘It’s what they’re used to… they’re not like us.’ ‘I don’t want to think about it – it makes me depressed.’ ‘It’s the world – you can’t change it.’
Response: Give us the courage then to say ‘Your Kingdom Come.’ Amen.
The International Indigenous Peoples Day was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994. It was decided that the International Indigenous People Day shall be observed on 9 August every year. By following this, on 17 September 2010, during the Annual General Body Meeting of the National Council of Churches in India in Bangalore, for the first-time announced observance of the NCCI-Tribal and Adivasi Sunday. Since 2011, every year the Indian Church is celebrating this day with special Liturgy designed along with the theme for the year. This year the theme for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is ‘Leaving No One Behind’ (1 Corinthians 10:24).
The Bible Society of India joined hands with the National Council of Churches in India in observing 9th August 2021 as the Tribal and Adivasi Day. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko, the General Secretary of the Bible Society of India, a very meaningful worship was conducted through the Department of Church Relations and Resource Mobilization. All the 16 Auxiliaries from various parts of India and the Central Office in Bangalore participated in the programmed virtually in solidarity with the Tribal and Adivasi people in India. Special songs and dance (video clipping) from the auxiliaries had added colors and joy of the worship service. Bishop Anand Sebeyan Hermon, who is a retired Bishop of the Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church, Odisha was our guest speaker for this occasion with the message of justice, peace, dignity and equality of all people. Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko, in his final remarks and closing prayer re-iterated the responsibility of the Church and Christian Institutions and Organizations to get actively involved in responding to a call for doing right to those who are wronged and bringing justice for those who are facing the onslaught of systematic and social injustice and discriminations like the people of the Tribals and Adivasis in India.
A Virtual Observance of Kandhamal Day on 23rd August 2021
The Bible Society of India observed the 13th Anniversary of Kandhamal Day as a day to commemorate the onslaught of Christians living in Kandhamal town at Phulbani District in Odisha in the year 2008, resulting in many horrifying deaths, destructions of church buildings, individual houses, shops and loss of huge properties. Thousands of them are left in deep pain, with immense traumatizing memories as innocent girls and women were gang-raped, many were arrested as culprits, some were convicted for life imprisonment.
Mr. Anto Akkara, a renowned Journalist at the National and International level from Thrissur, Kerala was our Guest Speaker of the day. Mr. Anto Akkara, along with committed lawyers, is tirelessly pursuing justice for those victims of violence for the Christians in Kandhamal. With his rich experience in journalism and case studies, with the practical knowledge of the Indian Penal Code as a degree holder of the Bachelor of Legislative Law or Legum Baccalaureus (LLB), and as a Christian activist, Mr. Anto had shared his deep personal experience and the testimony of faith that he came across in the past 13 years. He concluded his sharing with a remark saying “Kandhamal experience is no more a painful tale to tell, but it is a story of Christian faith in Christ and a story of the people of God who are the peacemakers in the midst of struggles for Human Rights, Justice, and Dignity. It is a story of borderless love as neighbors living in Kandhamal town irrespective of their tribes, castes, and faith.”
Mr. Anto, through his personal prayer unveils the long and winding roads he still needs to travel until all the victims of injustice are acquitted from Conviction of Life Imprisonment for a crime they had never committed by the High Court of Odisha. Let us earnestly join Mr. Anto as he prays:
The International Indigenous Peoples Day was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994. It was decided that the International Indigenous People Day shall be observed on 9 August every year. By following this, on 17 September 2010, during the Annual General Body Meeting of the National Council of Churches in India in Bangalore, for the first-time announced observance of the National Council of Churches in India -Tribal and Adivasi Sunday. Since 2011, every year the Indian Church is celebrating this day with special Liturgy designed along with the theme for the year. This year the theme for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is ‘Leaving No One Behind’ (1 Corinthians 10:24).
The Bible Society of India joined hands with the National Council of Churches in India in observing 9th August 2021 as the Tribal and Adivasi Day. Under the leadership of Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko, the General Secretary of the Bible Society of India, a very meaningful worship was conducted through the Department of Church Relations and Resource Mobilisation. All the 16 Auxiliaries from various parts of India and the Central Office in Bangalore participated in the programme virtually in solidarity with the Tribal and Adivasi people in India. Special songs and dance (video clipping) from the auxiliaries had added colors and joy of the worship service. Bishop Anand Sebeyan Hemron, who is a retired Bishop of the Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church, Odisha was our guest speaker for this occasion with the message of justice, peace, dignity and equality of all people. Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko, in his final remarks and closing prayer re-iterated the responsibility of the Church and Christian Institutions and Organisations to get actively involved in responding to a call for doing right to those who are wronged and bringing justice for those who are facing the onslaught of systematic and social injustice and discriminations like the people of the Tribals and Adivasis in India
We are aware that on the 10th of August every year, we remember our demand to include Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in the Scheduled Caste list. This year, we have designated it as the National Protest Day to protest against this injustice meted out to a section of Indian citizens. You are also aware that in 2013, NCCI has filed an impleading application in the Supreme Court of India in the Civil Writ petition (180/2004) which is pending before the Hon’ble Court. In January 2020, the Supreme Court of India agreed to examine the plea to make reservations “religion neutral” so that Dalit Christians and Muslims too can benefit. The plea is pending before the court.
On 10th of August we remember, the infamous Presidential (Scheduled Caste) Order 1950 which was signed 71 years ago by the then President of India, which says “No person who professes a religion other than Hinduism shall be deemed to be a member of the scheduled caste” which was later amended to include Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990) in the Scheduled Caste net. On account of this, Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin continue to be kept out of the Scheduled Caste list thereby denying them privileges in education, getting scholarships, employment opportunities, right to contest in the reserved constituencies, availing legal remedy/protection under SC and ST (Prevention) of Atrocities Act 1989 as amended in 2018, and such other affirmative actions. This is clear discrimination against Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims based on religion, and a violation of the freedom of religion and belief which is guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
We realise that our 71 years of struggle for justice should be supported by all people who believe in equality and democracy. The Supreme Court has a monumental opportunity now to render justice to millions of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims who continue to suffer from social stigma and the horrors of untouchability.
Hagar and Sarah – A Liberative Reading of Galatians 4:21-31
Dr.Hrangthan Chhungi (Director CRRM)
In our given passage, dwelling on one of the infamous traditional tools “portrayals of women” found in many books of the Old Testament by the prophets and the wisdom writers to talk about the paradoxical life of the Israelite society, faith and tradition, the Apostle Paul was trying to explain the dignity and status of a Christian in the kingdom of God by following the New Law laid down by Jesus Christ. He did this in and through the allegorical presentation of Hagar-Ishmael and Sarah-Isaac with Abraham. Though Paul himself was struggling to disown the legacy of the Jewish Law, being a Jew himself, yet, his new faith in Christ helped him to propagate the legacy of the New Law in Christ. Paul did this while writing to the non-Jewish, Greek-speaking community of the Galatians, the gentiles in the language of the New Testament. Paul, by referring to the Old Testament story of the patriarch Abraham, and his struggle for progeny in the midst of God’s promise to be the father of many nations, along with Covenant, Election, Law, Blessings, and Curses, etc. was trying to make these theologies relevant and meaningful for his Galatian audience in Christ alone as the beginning of the New Law – the new Adam.
Death of our dear colleagues and their immediate family members was emotionally and psychologically stressful. The General Secretary Rev. Dr. M. Mani Chacko initiated the thought of organizing a Memorial Service to help the bereaving family to cope with the loss of their dear ones.
A Service of Thanksgiving for the lives of BSI Staff and the immediate family members who have gone to be with the Lord recently was organized on July 29, 2021 virtually. Staff across the nation and the family members of the deceased attended the service virtually
The Church Relations and Resource Mobilization Department prepared the order of service for the occasion with a heavy heart. Truly it was an emotional time to pay tributes to 9 of our colleagues and 16 immediate family members of the staff.
Literacy transforming lives at all levels in one of the most challenging parts of the world
“This year my whole family had enough to eat during the dry season. Thanks to the Bible Society’s literacy course, I didn’t only learn to read and write but also found out how to use organic manure in agriculture.
As a result of this, my crop yields increased. When you apply literacy skills well, it’s possible to make progress and to achieve food security. Matthieu Lompoc, a second-year student, is proud of his new knowledge.
There are many other people who are saying the same things about the literacy project run by the Bible Society in Niger, one of the world’s poorest countries. Reports tell of changes in all aspects of life. The project is meeting a desperate need in this West African country where the overall rate of illiteracy is
I have discovered through the literacy program that animals need to be cared for, just like humans,” he says. “Now that we’re taking good care of our animals, our output has risen, which has improved our financial situation.”
The villagers have also become able to help each other more, explains Elisabeth Oumbo, a teacher on one of the literacy courses.
“The weekly market is held a very long way from our village,” she says. “This means that only a few people can go there, and they have to shop for people who don’t go. The better somebody is able to write, the better they can note down requests. This means that they can really help other villagers.”
RELEASE OF THE INDIAN EDITION OF THE HEBREW OT AND GREEK NT BY THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA
By Mr. Paul Stephen, Director, Publishing and Marketing Department, BSI
A student of a reputed theological college repeatedly called us for copies of the Hebrew and Greek Bibles, anxious to get his personal copy as he was unable to get a copy from his institution. He asked why the Bible Society of India could not print and provide enough copies. Many such requests like this have been made in the past several years.
Bible translation, inspired by God attempts to translate many languages from the languages it was originally written – Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.
