CNI consecrates three bishops in 'unique' ceremony

The Church of North India (CNI) on Tuesday consecrated three bishops for the dioceses of Gujarat, Pune and Bhopal respectively.

The consecration ceremony was held at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi and was led by the CNI Moderator Rev Dr Philip P Marandih.

The three bishops who were consecrated are Rev Silvans Christian for the Diocese of Gujarat, Rev Andrew Rathod for the Diocese of Pune and Rev Robert Ali for the Diocese of Bhopal.

At the outset, Alwan Masih, general secretary of the Synod of the Church of North India, read the instrument of election and appointment of each bishop.

Giving the exhortation, Rev Marandih delivered a sermon from John CH 21 where Jesus thrice commands Peter to feed His sheep.

Bringing to mind the reaffirming question of Jesus to Peter on how much he loved the Lord, Rev Marandih admonished the new bishops on their commission to feed God's sheep diligently, as an expression of their love.

"The Church has a responsibility to take care of God's sheep in different areas of live. It is very difficult to take the cross and walk. However, we must strive to be good witnesses in our own respective places," Rev Marandih preached.

The solemn ceremony was attended by a host of bishops, Synod representatives, leaders of various ministries and Delhi diocesan presbyters and members.

"It is indeed a time of rejoicing for all of us in the Church of North India. The bishops were approved in accordance with the Constitution and after the Episcopal Electoral process," said the CNI general secretary, Alwan Masih.

He also pointed that the consecration ceremony of the bishops were "unique as it was the first time three bishops were consecrated on the same day, especially in the presence of two former Moderators, all members of the Executive Committee and CNI Bishops and Office Bearers of CNI Synod".