NCCI installs new general secretary

Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad was on Thursday, Dec. 9, installed as the new general secretary of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).

A former principal of the Aizawl Theological College, Rev. Gaikwad was formally installed in the office as the ninth general secretary in a ceremony attended by the office bearers, executive members, heads of church bodies and leaders of different faith traditions.

Ordained as a Minister in the Mizoram Presbyterian Synod in 1981, Rev. Gaikwad began his professional journey as deacon and presbyter in the Methodist Church.

Apart from being the principal of a theological college, Rev. Gaikwad has been actively involved in other ministries where he has served in different capacities, including being the chairperson of SCMI and WSCF-AP.

While addressing the crowd, today, during the formal reception, Rev. Gaikwad said he felt very humbled in terms of the responsibility God has given.

"I believe that it is God who has called me to this place and it is the Church that has put its trust in me. I know I am not worthy to be in this position. But I realize there is a purpose…a God-ordained purpose," said Rev. Gaikwad.

"As I stand here to take on this responsibility as general secretary, I realize it is only by God's grace and support and prayers of all God's people that I will be able to accomplish the work at hand," he added.

The year 2014 being the centenary of NCCI, Rev. Gaikwad commented he felt it a privilege that "I am able to join this company of people who have served the church at large and even the society through the National Council of Churches".

Rev. Gaikwad is widely recognized for his theological perceptions and has been invited to lead Bible studies at many national and international events. Apart from teaching and preaching, he is also a good writer.

Academically he has to his credit a BA Hons from Wilson College, Bombay; BD from Leonard Theological College; M. Th from North India Institute of Post Graduate Theological Studies and a D. Th from South Asia Theological Research Institute.

Rev. Gaikwad on Thursday took over the office from the acting general secretary Rev. Asir Ebenezer.