A Diocese Rooted in Faith, Mission, and Service
Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian 13th Bishop of the Madhya Kerala Diocese
The CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese is one of the 24 dioceses of the Church of South India (CSI), serving the central region of the state of Kerala. With its headquarters at Kottayam, the diocese is renowned for its rich spiritual heritage, strong missionary tradition, and significant contributions to education, healthcare, and social development.
The diocese traces its origins to the Diocese of Travancore and Cochin, established in 1879 under the Anglican Church. Following the formation of the Church of South India on 27 September 1947, it became known as the Diocese of Central Travancore. After the formation of the State of Kerala in 1956, the diocese was renamed the Madhya Kerala Diocese, reflecting its ministry across the central region of the state.
Historical Heritage
The Christian faith in Kerala dates back to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in A.D. 52. While the ancient St. Thomas Christian tradition flourished over the centuries, the Protestant Reformation reached Kerala through the dedicated work of missionary organizations such as the Church Missionary Society (CMS), the London Missionary Society (LMS), and the Basel Mission.
The Church Missionary Society played a pivotal role in the spiritual and educational development of Central Travancore. Missionaries established churches, schools, theological institutions, hospitals, and printing presses, laying a strong foundation for Christian witness and social transformation throughout the region.
Formation of the Diocese
The Diocese of Travancore and Cochin was established in 1879, providing episcopal leadership to the growing Anglican congregations in Kerala. Distinguished bishops such as J. M. Speechly, A. N. Hodges, C. H. Gill, E. A. L. Moore, and B. C. Corfield strengthened the Diocese through evangelism, education, and institution building.
A significant milestone came on 27 September 1947, when the Anglican Church united with Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational, and Reformed churches to form the Church of South India. At this historic union, Rt. Rev. C. K. Jacob, then Bishop of Travancore and Cochin, became the first Bishop of the newly constituted Diocese of Central Travancore, which later became the Madhya Kerala Diocese.
Governance and Administration
The Diocese follows the episcopal-synodical system of governance of the Church of South India, combining episcopal leadership with representative participation by clergy and laity.
The Diocese is administered through:
- The Diocesan Council, the highest decision-making body within the Diocese.
- The Executive Committee, which oversees the administration and implementation of policies.
- District Councils, which coordinate the work of pastorates within their respective regions.
- Pastorates and Congregations, where worship, pastoral care, Christian education, and mission are carried out at the local level.
The Diocese is presently divided into 12 District Councils, encompassing hundreds of congregations and mission centers across Central Kerala.
The Bishop
The Diocese is presently led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, who was consecrated as Bishop on 18 January 2021. Known for his missionary vision, pastoral leadership, commitment to ecological stewardship, and emphasis on holistic ministry, Bishop Sabu Koshy Cherian continues to guide the Diocese in fulfilling its spiritual and social mission.
Mission and Ministry
The Madhya Kerala Diocese is committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ while responding to the spiritual, educational, social, and humanitarian needs of society.
Its ministries include:
- Evangelism and Church Planting
- Pastoral Care and Congregational Development
- Christian Education and Sunday School Ministry
- Youth Movement
- Women’s Fellowship
- Children’s Ministry
- Mission and Evangelism
- Theological Education
- Rural and Community Development
- Healthcare and Medical Mission
- Disaster Relief and Social Outreach
The Diocese encourages every congregation to actively participate in worship, discipleship, evangelism, and compassionate service to society.
Education and Healthcare
One of the greatest contributions of the Madhya Kerala Diocese has been its long-standing commitment to education and healthcare. Building upon the vision of the early missionaries, the Diocese administers numerous educational institutions, theological colleges, schools, and healthcare ministries that have served generations of people regardless of religion, caste, or social background.
Among its most distinguished institutions is CMS College, Kottayam, one of the oldest colleges in India, established in 1817 through the missionary work that later became closely associated with the Diocese. The Diocese also oversees several schools, colleges, hospitals, and charitable institutions that continue to uphold excellence in education and public service.
A Living Witness
Today, the CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese stands as one of the most vibrant dioceses of the Church of South India. With its strong biblical foundation, rich liturgical heritage, missionary commitment, and extensive educational and social ministries, the Diocese continues to serve faithfully as a witness to the love of Christ.
Guided by the vision of the Church of South India—“That They All May Be One” (John 17:21)—the Madhya Kerala Diocese remains dedicated to nurturing faith, promoting unity, serving humanity, and proclaiming the Gospel through worship, witness, and compassionate ministry.