A Shared Commitment to Christian Witness and Mission

On April 16, Bishop Stephen London welcomed the Rt Rev Dr Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, Bishop of the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese, to the Diocese of Edmonton. 

When it was formed in 1947, the Church of South India brought together four Christian denominations:  Anglican, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Methodist. It is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. In the Diocese of Edmonton, the CSI Ascension Parish meets at St. Augustine of Canterbury, Edmonton.

Participants in the agreement offer these reflections:

"It was very fitting that, in this week following St. Thomas Sunday, we were able to welcome Bishop Sabu Cherian of the Madhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India, together with members of Ascension CSI Church of Edmonton, for a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to welcome our siblings from Ascension into a partnership with the Diocese of Edmonton as a Recognized Ministry.
These lovely people and this church community traces its roots to one of the oldest Christian communities in all the world, and as tradition has it to the ministry of the Apostle Thomas himself. How wonderful to have that link here with us on the Canadian Prairies, and to receive from the richness of its gifts and experience.
The Church of South India is also a powerful witness to ecumenism, being an organic union of Anglican, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches. We have much to learn from this example as still separated churches in this land trying to learn how to share in ministry more and more. 
സകലത്തിന്നും ദൈവത്തിന് മഹത്വം
Glory to God for all things!"

- Canon Scott Sharman, Ecumenical and Interfaith Animator for the Diocese of Edmonton

A significant milestone of this visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CSI Ascension Church Edmonton, and the Anglican Diocese of Edmonton. It was truly a pleasure to meet Bishop Stephen London, and I deeply value his warmth, support, and encouragement towards the CSI Church in Edmonton. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to Christian witness, mission, and mutual support. We trust that this agreement will be of great help and encouragement to the growth and ministry of the CSI Church in Edmonton, and we deeply appreciate the support, guidance, and cooperation of the local Anglican Diocese. I acknowledge and thank Rev. Johncy Varghese, Vicar of CSI Ascension Church Edmonton, for his dedicated pastoral leadership and faithful service, along with all those who contributed to making this visit meaningful. May God continue to bless this growing relationship and guide us in unity and service."

- Bishop Sabu Cherian of the Church of South India Madhya Kerala Diocese