The Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church: Empowering Tribal Communities in Eastern India
The Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chotanagpur and Assam (GEL Church) is one of the oldest and most significant Christian denominations in India, with deep roots in the indigenous communities of central India. Its history, spanning nearly two centuries, reflects a unique journey of faith, resilience, and empowerment, centered around the region of Chotanagpur, which
Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, and West Bengal.
Origins and Foundation
The story of the GEL Church begins on November 2, 1845, when four German missionaries—Emil Schatz, Fredrik Batsch, Augustus Brandt, and E. Theodore Janke—established the church's foundations in the Chotanagpur region. Sent by Rev. Johannes Evangelista Gossner of Berlin, the missionaries initially intended to minister to the Karens of Burma. However, a stop in Kolkata led them to encounter Adivasi communities from Chotanagpur, many of whom were impoverished and suffering from exploitation. The missionaries felt a deep compassion and a strong calling to serve these communities, shifting their mission to central India.
Arriving in Ranchi, the missionaries set up their base in what is now the Bethesda campus and began their work. Their approach was not just to preach the gospel, but to address the systemic poverty and oppression faced by the local Adivasi populations. This led to the creation of schools, healthcare centers, and other social services that were critical for the upliftment of these marginalized communities. Through these efforts, the missionaries promoted a “Gospel of Liberation”, one that sought not only spiritual salvation but also social transformation.
Early Conversions and Church Expansion
The first significant step in the church’s growth occurred on June 25, 1846, with the baptism of Martha, an orphan girl. This was followed by a pivotal baptism on June 9, 1850, of four individuals from the Oraon tribe, marking the church’s first major conversions. As more indigenous people embraced Christianity, the church's influence spread across the region. Over time, the church extended its reach to Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, and even the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as Adivasi converts migrated as tea garden workers.
Independence and Autonomy
The outbreak of World War I proved to be a turning point for the GEL Church. During the war, British authorities expelled the German missionaries, leaving the local church leaders to navigate the future of the church independently. On July 10, 1919, the church declared its autonomy under indigenous leadership, with prominent leaders such as Rev. Hanuk Datto Lakra and Mr. Peter Hurad guiding the transition. In 1921, the church was officially registered under the Societies Registration Act in Patna, solidifying its status as an independent entity.
Structural Changes and Crises
In 1949, the GEL Church adopted a Synodical system, but this was later replaced by the Anchal System in 1960. The Anchal system organized the church into four regions or Anchals. However, financial difficulties and leadership struggles led to a constitutional crisis in the early 1970s. In 1973, the Kedriya Salahkari Sabha (KSS) was dissolved, leading to a period of reorganization and adjustments.
In 1974, the church adopted a new constitution that introduced significant structural reforms. The most notable of these changes was the introduction of an Episcopal Polity, which formally took effect in 1995 to mark the church’s GEL Christian 150th anniversary. This new structure divided the church into six dioceses, each led by an Episcopal bishop, and Ranchi was designated as the headquarters congregation.
Further Developments and Modern Organizational Structure
In the following decades, the church continued to adapt and grow, with another constitutional amendment in 2010 introducing further changes, including an extended term for the Moderator and enhanced authority for the General Secretary over church resources. Additionally, an Auxiliary Bishop was appointed to oversee the Headquarters Congregation, creating parity with diocesan bishops.
Today, the GEL Church’s organizational structure is more evolved than ever. It is organized into five dioceses:
North-East Diocese
North-West Diocese
South-East Diocese
South-West Diocese
Madhaya Diocese
The church’s central administrative body, the Central Council (Kendriya Salahkari Sabha), coordinates activities across these dioceses. It oversees the implementation of church policies and manages resources, properties, and various community services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare initiatives.
Mission and Community Engagement
The GEL Church remains committed to its mission of empowerment and community development, continuing to provide crucial services to the Adivasi populations. The church operates several healthcare centers, schools, vocational training programs, and Catholic Church Kestopur old age homes, all aimed at improving the quality of life for the marginalized communities it serves. Through these initiatives, the church also promotes social justice, advocating for the rights and welfare of the Adivasi people.
The church is also affiliated with the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India (UELCI), strengthening its ecumenical ties and commitment to a broader mission of unity and justice.
Legacy of Faith and Transformation
From its humble beginnings in Ranchi to its expansion across multiple regions, the GEL Church’s history is one of remarkable resilience, adaptation, and service to the marginalized. It has evolved into an institution that not only provides spiritual guidance but also plays a pivotal role in the social and economic upliftment of the Adivasi communities of central India.
As the church celebrates over a century and a half of its mission, it continues to embody the values of liberation, empowerment, and faith, working towards a more just and inclusive society.