Bishop of Chotanagpur
Focus on Diocese of Chotanagpur.
The Right
Reverend S. John E Tuti
Bishop of Chotanagpur
A former bishop of the Church of North India, the Right Reverend S.
S. John E. Tuti, who was conditionaly consecrated a bishop in Apostolic
Succession at his reception into the Anglican Church of India (CIPBC) now
leads the Church's Diocese of Chotanagpur. Bishop Tutu is most thankful
for the help and guidance he has received from the Vicar Provincial of
the Anglican Church of India, the Most Reverend Samuel Prakash.
Bishop
Tuti diocese is numically small with very few clergy to minister to the
1,020 souls in 15 congregations. Like the Bishop, many of his people were
former members of the Church of North India (CNI), a union scheme which
had brought together the old Anglican Church and various Protestant denominations
into one body. Many members were former Anglicans who had no choice at
the time other than join the newly created sect. Now many of these folk
have taken the opportunity to return to the Church and receive valid sacraments
from her priests. 
The diocese presently has 8 church buildings, St. Michael's Nursing Home
and Hospital at Hatinghore with another, St. Augustine's Hospital under
construction at Manpharpur. Two schools and a college are located in these
centres. Bishop Tuti's vision for the future includes a three year plan
of development and growth for his newly founded diocese this was presented
to the General Council which met at New Delhi in November 1997 at which
His Grace, Archbishop Louis Falk, Metropolitan of India was present.. He
is excited about projects already nearing completition including the construction
of churches, a primary school at Hatinghore to be upgraded to a High School
with provision for a hostel. Land has been made available for a Tasar Plantation
(silk-rearing) and staff were presently being trained for this project.
Revd Dr. Gabriel Hemrom with Bishop Samuel Prakash at a St. Michael's Hospital,
at Gumla.
The
Bishop said parishes in the diocese have become centres where both the
spiritual and physical needs of the people can radiate. The very poor have
been encouraged to be involved in cottage industries as a mean of financial
support. This project includes candle making, mats, brooms, match boxes,
rearing of hens and goats, distribution of seeds and cuttings of fruit
trees, chalk factory and hair oil factory.
Another
priority has been Bible study and learning about the Faith through study
cells. The Reverend P. Samad and Mrs Nellie Samad are involved in this
programme in Manoharpur. The Church recognised that its young men and women
needed special care and has developed youth organisations and guidance
programmes.
Members of the Diocesan Council with Bishop Tuti at
S Michael's Nursing Home
Former
CNI priests have been conditionally ordained deacons and priests. Many
former Anglicans in the CNI want to return to the Church. Worker priests
engaged in secular jobs have limited authority and faithfully serve the
church in their free time.
Gumla's congregation of faithful Anglcians enjoy
dancing and singing following a celebration of the Eucharist.
Bishop
Tuti believes Christian mothers, by their love, care and devotion to the
family are an effective witness and example in the local community and
in the diocese. The Bishop said he sees these women as real custodians
of the Faith and it was for this reason the Mothers Union had been organised
in the diocese.
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