CELEBRATING NINETY YEARS OF THE COMMON PILGRIMAGE

We rejoice with thanks and praise to God for the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka which has inherited an ecumenical heritage of ninety years. It began as the Christian Council of India , Burma and Ceylon in the year 1914, when India included Pakistan and Bangladesh . As the quest for Independence gained momentum, the respective national bodies came into existence in the year 1935.

It is significant that in this year many concrete manifestation of ecumenical commitment has emerged. The common lectionary, Ecumenical, Order of Worship for pastoral occasions, Joint Ecumenical Clergy Retreats, Joint Meeting of the Standing Committee definitely points to the guidance of the Holy Spirit on this historical occasion.

The Triennial Gathering as a way of celebrating ninety years with the local congregation will take place on the 1 st and 2nd of July 2004. The Service of Praise and Thanksgiving will be held on the 1 st of July 2004 at The Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour at 6.00 p.m.. The Preacher will be the Rt Rev Dr V Devasahayam, the CSI Bishop in Madras** .