The Bishop of the Church of South India Krishna-Godavari Diocese which includes all nine coastal districts, Right Reverend Govada Dyvasirwadam, is all set to become the next head of the organisation. Church of South India is said to be the biggest landholder in South India after the government.
The CSI Synod (governing body) that includes 22 Bishops from the four South Indian states and Jaffna in Sri Lanka, 135 presbyters (pastors) and 275 lay members (both men and women) will elect the apex body consisting of a Moderator, Deputy Moderator, General Secretary and Treasurer. The Moderator is the spiritual and administrative head of the Church. Only Bishops are eligible to contest for the Moderator and Deputy Moderator posts. Pastors and lay members are eligible to contest for the remaining two posts. Bishop Dyvasirwadam is currently the Deputy Moderator of CSI. The sitting Moderator Most Reverend Deva Kadasham will preside over the four-day session of the Synod that begins on Saturday.
Foregone conclusionThough there will be an election Bishop Dyvasirwadam becoming the next Moderator is a foregone conclusion, say members of the Synod.
The 34 CSI Synod will be held in the premises of the St Paul’s Church situated behind the State Guest House. The synod is the supreme governing body responsible for all the moveable, immovable properties of the CSI.
