Annual Conference moderator, denominational staff visit India churches.

Christopher Bowman, Annual Conference moderator, joined Merv Keeney, executive director of the General Board's Global Mission Partnerships, and Bob Gross, India mediation consultant and co-executive director of On Earth Peace, on a trip to India Feb. 26-Mar. 5. It was the first such visit since an action of the 2003 Annual Conference affirmed the rebuilding of relationship with the India Brethren, formerly called the "separated Brethren," alongside relationship with the Church of North India (CNI). The visit was planned to discuss implications of the Conference action and to explore next steps in partnership with each church.

The delegation's conversations with CNI were characterized as "strained" by Keeney. Reflecting on the conversation, he reported, "The Conference action upholds the relationship with CNI in a `both-and' rather than `either-or' approach. CNI finds it difficult to accept the Conference decision as consistent with their view of partnership. Re-forming this partnership will take time."

After leaving CNI, the group traveled to southern Gujarat state to meet with the India Brethren. Here the planned agenda was overtaken by joyful exuberance as congregations at Taropa, Dolara, Champavadi, Sadanvan, and Valsad celebrated and welcomed the group. India Brethren leadership had timed the groundbreaking for a new Brethren High School building at Valsad to coincide with the visit. The new building will replace a crumbling edifice built in the early missionary days. While the India Brethren also sponsor other schools, this long-discussed project is the largest building effort they have ever undertaken.

"The presence of Moderator Christopher Bowman was greatly valued by both churches," Keeney said. "In the India context, a visit from the highest officer of the US church had great meaning and importance, and it honored them. Many voiced surprise that such a young man would be called to this office." Among the India Brethren, Bowman was invited to preach at the Love Feast service at Champavadi, and shared a message centered on reconciliation.

Source: Newsline 3/19/2004 top