Friends in Christ,
Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

It is with deep joy and profound hope that I welcome you to CSI St. Stephen’s Tamil Church, Pallavaram. In an age marked by uncertainty, injustice, and fragmentation, our church is called not merely to comfort, but to courageous transformation—to become a sanctuary where disciples are shaped, communities are healed, and the Gospel becomes a living force in the world.

Today, I invite our congregation to embody three biblical, transformative, and liberation-driven values that speak prophetically to our generation:

1. Transformative Discipleship

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

True discipleship demands more than religious routine; it demands a revolution of the heart. The theologian N. T. Wright reminds us: “The Gospel is not simply about personal salvation but about God’s whole new creation breaking in.”
Let us therefore become disciples who dare to think differently, love radically, and live counter-culturally.

2. Liberation for the Oppressed

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to set the oppressed free.” — Luke 4:18

Our faith compels us to stand where Christ stood—on the side of the marginalized, the voiceless, and the burdened. Liberation theologian Gustavo Gutiérrez affirms, “To know God is to do justice.”
May our congregation boldly confront injustice, advocate for the vulnerable, and embody God’s preferential love for the poor.

3. Reconciliation and Communal Healing

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

In a world tearing at its seams, the Church must be a space where division dissolves and dignity is restored. As African theologian Emmanuel Katongole writes, “Reconciliation is not an option for the Church—it is its very mission.”
Let us cultivate relationships of forgiveness, hospitality, and mutual belonging that reflect the reconciling heart of Christ.

As a congregation, may we commit ourselves to unity, prayer, fellowship, outreach, and courageous mission. May St. Stephen’s Tamil Church continue to be a Place of Peace—and also a Place of Prophetic Action—where faith is not only professed but embodied.

May the God of hope fill you and your family with abundant grace, strength, and renewal.

Blessings in Christ’s liberating name,

Servant of the Marginalized
Rev. M. Charles Soundarrajan

Presbyter-in-Charge / Chairman

St. Stephen’s Tamil Church, Pallavaram Pastorate