By reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

• 22 Bishops, 487 reps begin 4-day Synod in city

Mysore, Jan 16: The Bishops of Church of South India (CSI) yesterday began the four-day synod (convention) where social service projects for the next two years in South Indian states are being chalked out.

The synod is being held for the first time in Mysore under the auspices of Karnataka Southern Diocese at Yashasvi Convention Centre on Hunsur Road here. In all, 22 Bishops of Southern States and 487 representatives of 22 Diocese in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Bishop Rev. Michael Doe of Kerala inaugurated the synod yesterday. Rev. S. Vasanthkumar, Bishop of Bangalore, Rev. Dr. B.P. Sugandhar, Bishop of Medak (AP) and Rev. Devaraj Bangera, Bishop of Mangalore, were present on the dais.

The synod focussing on the theme God in your grace — transform the world will discuss the projects to be taken up in the Southern States.

The CSI plans to open HIV regional centres at Bellary (Karnataka), Dharmapuri (TN), Me-dak (AP) and Kerala (location is yet to be decided).

The CSI will also start girl child homes in all the 22 diocese where girl child labours will be rehabilitated.

Mission for the eradication of Devadasi system will also be launched. The system is called as Matamma in Kerala and Shivamma in AP.

The Protestant Christian community has about 40 lac members in Southern States.

Tsunami relief

Ret. Rev. R. Mohanraj, Director of Communications, CSI, today told Star of Mysore that the synod is also reviewing the progress on the projects undertaken during the last two years.

Tsunami relief was the major project in the last two years. The CSI set up trauma centres, mobile health centres in Kanyakumari, Krishna-Godavari, Trichy-Tanjore and Chennai. Construction of 300 houses meant for tsunami victims in the affected districts is nearing completion.

The CSI has donated boats and nets to the fishermen, he added.

There will be a public meeting in Hardwicke High School premises tomorrow. 22 Bishops will attend the meeting.

Re-elected

All the four office-bearers of the CSI have been re-elected for the second consecutive term of two years yesterday. They are:

Bishop Rev. Dr. B.P. Sugandhar, Medak-AP (Moderator), Bishop Rev. S. Vasantha Kumar, Bangalore (Deputy Moderator), Dr. (Mrs.) Paulin Satyamurthy, Chennai (General Secretary) and V. Kasturi, AP (Hon. Treasurer).