Tuesday 13 March 2012

ICT in Christian Ministry


Information, Communication Technology in Christian Ministry
-Laldanmawia


Introduction:
The importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) could not be hidden even in the Christian Ministry while it has many terrible circumstances. It is the situation where we are living with a technological convergence. We do, we act and we receive things through Information Technology and its devices. Our life is simplified by ICT in every field of life. That is the reason why individuals, groups, firms and organizations are interjecting into this technology in order to meet the development of the world. Christian Ministry is therefore very much meaningful and powerful when it is done with the advancement in technologies. Running out of global development would leads somehow into failure in these days. If so why do we need ICT for Christian ministry? What are its roles and functions? How do these two subjects interact to each other? All these entire questions have to be analyzed in this paper by doing a little research.
1. Definition of Information Communication Technology:
Information Communication Technology (ICT) is the term in which the Information Technology and its devices are being used in order to perform Communication. It includes the devices or applications like radio, television, cell-phones, computer and network, hardware and software, satellite system, etc.[1] It is the organization and management of software and hardware by human ware. ICT deals with the digital data and the ways of storing, retrieval, transmission and receipt of how these concepts work when put together. Communication of distance in ICT is mainly done by electronic means, which is the use of networks connection or internet.[2]
Information communication Technology today usually means computer based management of data or information or ideas which is emphasis more on real-time communication using technologies like instant messaging, voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, etc.[3]
 2. What is Christian Ministry?
When we say Christian, it is clear enough that they are the followers of Jesus Christ. In the First Century, at Antioch the disciples of Jesus were called first as Christians. From that moment the followers of Jesus Christ, those who believe in Jesus and his teaching, and those who believe Jesus is the only way and truth to reach to the father’s are said to be Christians. 

And the word ‘ministry’ is taken from the Greek word ‘diakoneo’ which means ‘to serve’.[4] In Matthew 20: 28 and Mark 10:45, we are taught to give service to other people in the name of God, but not to receive service. So, Christian Ministry can be defined as the serving of God’s will by Christian or in other word Christians’ movements for the welfare of other people which is acceptable to God’s side.
3. Why ICT for Christian Ministry?
As it is said before, the situation of today’s world demands Information Technology almost in every field of life. As well as, Christian ministry is to serve other people in the name of God; how can we serve people’s need without using ICT and its devices in this technological age? Unless we develop our means of ministry, we may not meet the need of the people of today. Therefore Christian Ministry has to be done along with all new technologies, so that the results may spread over and the consequences may widen in a broader way. Therefore we can say that why we need ICT for Christian ministry.
4. Role and function of ICT in Christian ministry:
In this technological world, almost everything is exercised and done by new media or new technology like computer and its other devices including internet. That is the reason why today’s Christians or churches are making use of such technologies in doing their ministry and mission. Role and functions of ICT in the Christian ministry are looked up in the followings with ICT devices like print media, radio, television, cell phone, video conferencing/seminar, internet, cyber church:

4.1. Print Media: Print media is the oldest mass media and is one of the most useful instruments for Christian ministry of today. Some believe that literature is the most effective and far reaching, and is used by all churches or missions to spread the news.[5] In print media we can include devices like newsletters, newspapers, booklets, tracts, magazines, books, and other information letters, which are very commonly used by today’s church organizations. Some of them work like a channel for information and inspiration, some like a signal which are delivered by the people of other places, some printed media act as missionary that spread the sermons, articles, songs and other writings about the word of God. People can be imparted and informed through these writings by which they could see the reality of life and words of Jesus Christ. 

In the context of Mizoram, newsletter, newspaper and magazines are used commonly by the churches to spread the words of God and churches’ information. Books are often published which could be delivered by the people. Distributing Bible tracts are also very much helpful for the people who needs. So the role played by Print Media and the function functioned by Print Media for Christian Ministry are very much useful and effective.

4.2. Radio: Radio is not so useful now a day since internet and other new technologies came up. But still then the usage is not dead at all. The broadcasting of sermons, music and other discussions enriches the Christian’s works. The role of Radio is seems more meaningful in the village and remote areas from where signals of radio could catch easily. There are Christian owned radio stations which broadcast only Christian’s programs from the earlier time till today like Far East Broadcasting Company, Trans World Radio in Southern Europe, HCJB and many other local stations.[6]

In the context of Mizoram, through Radio, people especially villagers used to listen gospel songs and sermons; those could inspire their spiritual life.

4.3. Television: There is no doubt that television is one of the active devices for Christian ministry. Like radio sermons, discussions, video and other programs are broadcasted. People can hear and see what is going on through live telecasts and highlighted programs. Television plays a vital role to the people those who do not really access internet. It could reach a large group of people at the same time. Because of this, Christian minister/communicator could have opportunity to speak or to spread the message of God to large number at one time.[7] So, the main role and function of television lies on the broadcasting of music videos, dramas, skits, sermons, Christian films, worship services telecast, etc. 

In the context of Mizoram, sermon telecast is very common on Sunday morning and night. People could listen and watch while doing another works and eating food as well. As well as music video and films are also watched by the people often, that in turn imparts knowledge about God. There is saying that many particular people get new inspiration from the hearing and watching of Music videos. 

4.4. Telephone and Cell Phone: Telephone ministry is also useful nowadays. There is online telephone ministry where people submit their problems and the end users answer through telephone. It is very save that they cannot see each other. After developing Cell phone ministry is easier that SMS Ministry come up, where the needy people send their problems to the expert group and the latter send their response as well as pray for the former. Cell Phone is a very new, fast and vast spread technology. Younger in large numbers brings it. So it is good opportunity to spread Bible verses, good good words through sms in order to lead them into better way.

In the context of Mizoram, more than half of the people have their own cell phones. Some organizations take this opportunity to do ministry especially, prayer and counseling ministry. Group is formed where people send their problems and prayer points, so that the group would be response and pray for.

4.5. Computer and Internet:  The main role and function of computer in Christian Ministry is producing hard and soft copy of materials, data, information and others. All the printed media are the outcome of computers. Without this it is difficult do ministry successfully because all the churches and missions are using it to type out the documents and other necessary, edit and printed out. Meanwhile internet is done using computer and it gadgets. Internet is network which links to other people, country, place, etc. The whole world is made one village through internet. The linking of the people in the network thus provides the field for ministry. Internet facilities like websites, social network sites, blogs, e-mails, media services, discussion sites and other electronic means play specific and essential roles and functions in doing Christian Ministry.

In Mizoram Context, Computer and internet are very much useful. Most of the churches develop their own computer system through which local church newspaper, newsletter etc are produced. Many churches especially the city/town churches set their own website and blog, so that their ministry is broaden into technological world. Internet accessing is very easy and fast, the information could reach the destination in a second. Because of internet facilities, Christian Ministry is strengthened and enlarged into the worldwide.

4.6. Cyber church: Cyber church is a technological word, which means the church’s relation and connection to internet. Christian are using and involving in all kinds of internet usage as we said before like websites, blogs, social networks, chat rooms, etc. The usage is then widening into the field of Christian Ministry in order to promote the faith. So, the connection of the church with internet facilities is called Cyber church. The role and function of Cyber Church are to promote Christian education, enrich and promote Christian faith, etc through internet and modern technological means.

In Mizoram, many churches of city are very much connected with internet. We can then call them Cyber Church.
5. ICT in the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM):
The Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) is the second largest populated denomination in Mizoram having its headquarters at Serkawn, Lunglei. We can claim that BCM was established in the year 1903 when F.W. Savidge and J.H. Lorrain reached the Southern part of Mizoram as missionaries under Baptist Missionary Society (BMS).[8] According to 2011 records, there are 1, 46,331 members, 530 local churches, 13 Area Baptist Council (ABC), 72 pastorates, around 146 ministers (including pro-pastors).[9]
 
BCM has its separate department for doing various ministries. Each department has made use of ICT in every possible way. Under Service Department there are three departments which more connect with ICT like Baptist Literature Service, Baptist Printing Press and Communication department. Even though, other works are connected by computers and the involvement of ICT could be seen. Still then these departments are more connected with ICT and its devices. So the followings indicate how ICT plays role and function in three departments of BCM.

5.1. Baptist Literature Service (BLS): The department is established to promote and spread literary works to the people in order to extend the Kingdom of God.[10] The main intention is to produce books and other written forms. So the need of promotion of printed media like books, magazines, newspapers, tracts, calendars, etc. provide a situation for the establishment of this department. And they are the functioning bodies of the department. Without ICT, BLS will not come up.

5.2. Baptist Printing Press (BPP): In order to publish books and other printed media, BCM need the printing press from where materials are to be printed out. BPP was developed from 1930’s and the name was put in the year 1995.[11] BPP of its offsets are computerized and controlled and maintained through computer system. Computer sets, Internet, and other printing tools of ICT are extremely needed to run BPP. 

5.3. Communication Department: The previous two departments were put under this Communication Department before. But due to the conveniences they separate them and work as separate department in 2001 BCM Assembly.[12] Communication Department is to promote the gospel through written forms, audio visual and music. The process of establishing was going from the year of Missionaries coming. In The BCM Assembly of 1995, the name Communication department was given.[13]

Three kinds of ICT developed the Department into three groups or committee or sub-departments.
5.3.1. The need of promotion of Printed Media like “Kohhran Beng” magazine, “Baptist Today”-newspaper, calendar, other booklets, prayer guide book, publishing books, etc. formed Editorial Board and Publishing Board.[14]

5.3.2. Audio-Visual is then promoted for ministry through modern technology. Christian films, and music video are produced in large number, those play essential role in the mission works and ministry in various places.[15]

5.3.3. To do ministry, to extend God’s Kingdom and to strengthen the Kingdom though audio music led to the establishment of Christian Music Committee. Their main role are to look after local church choir, pastorate choir, Area choir and BCM choir and their ministry and  giving training of music and solfa to church members.[16]
 
So we can conclude that the Audio music, Video music, films, printed materials, computer systems, internet and other electronic systems of ICT play very important role and function in the ministry of Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM).
Conclusion:
Thus from the above discussion, it is obvious that Information Communication Technology (ICT) is very much necessary for today’s Christian Ministry. Unless, the ministry may be out dated and it may lead to the failure. Therefore, looking technological situation of the world and analyzing people’s condition, it is the most influential way to persuade the people’s heart. To meet all technological situation of the world, we have to adjust and develop our ways of ministry into the technological apparatus that is Information Communication Technology (ICT).


BIBLIOGRAPHY & WEBLIGRAPHY:
Dawngliana, K.M.S. BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu chitin Chuanna. Aizawl: Baptist Publication Board, Communication department, 2009.
Soraard, Viggo. Media in the Church and Mission: Communicating the Gospel. Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1998.

http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-ministry.html (2/9/2011).


[4] http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-ministry.html (2/9/2011).
[5] Viggo Soraard, Media in the Church and Mission: Communicating the Gospel (Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1998), 180.

[6] Viggo Soraard, Media in the Church and Mission: Communicating the Gospel (Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1998), 136.
[7] Viggo Soraard, Media in the Church…, 114.
[8] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu chitin Chuanna (Aizawl: Baptist Publication Board, Communication department, 2009), 1.
[9] 2011 census of BCM.
[10] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu chitin Chuanna (Aizawl: Baptist Publication Board, Communication department, 2009), 57.
[11] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 59.
[12] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 65.
[13] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook….
[14] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 66-67
[15] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook…, 66.
[16] K.M.S. Dawngliana, BCM Handbook: Mizoram Baptist Kohhran Thu chitin Chuanna (Aizawl: Baptist Publication Board, Communication department, 2009), 66.

THE CRUSADES

THE CRUSADES
-Laldanmawia

Introduction:
When the development of Christianity passed through the millennium, it had also get through many problems inside and outside the churches. The persecution in the first century up to the fourth century was followed by the spread of Christian faith under the emperorship of Constantine, and theologians came up. Then the spread of Christianity reached to western, Eastern and Northern Europe. In the later part of the millennium, the growth of Islam became hindrance to the Christianity. After that moment in the 11th Century, the so-called Crusades started until 13th Century. That Crusades is thus the topic for this paper with analyzing its definition, causes, campaigns, results and its implication for today’s Indian Churches.
1. Definition of the Crusades:
The Crusade is the holy war fought by Christians against Islamic tyranny to retrieve the Holy Land, which was occupied by Muslims for hundreds of years. The Christians believed that Jerusalem was their own holy land, reserved for their private religious purposes. However, Muslim who claimed Jerusalem as their holy land as well controlled the land. Thus, the Pope and other political leaders sent soldiers into the holy land to try to recover it from the Muslims. These soldiers consisted primarily of Franks from France and citizens of the Holy Roman Empire.[1] Therefore, when we say the Crusade, we mean it is the mission of Christian to get back Jerusalem and the surrounding from the control of Muslim; that period covered 200’s years of fighting.
2. Causes of the Crusades:
The main causes or the motives behind the Crusades laid on the Christian’s expedition of recovering the Holy land Jerusalem from the controlled of Muslim tyranny. Therefore, by fighting the crusades what the causes would be are as follows: 

2.1. Muslim Domination of Holy Land: Since Jerusalem was the holy place for Christians, many Christians visited as pilgrims. However, after the control of Jerusalem by the Muslim of Turks, they did not allow making pilgrimages for Christians. While Christians were not aware that the land was fallen into new hands, 3000 Christians were insulted and persecuted. Even the churches in Jerusalem were destroyed in large number.[2] These incidents were very serious harassment for Roman Catholic Church, which led to the expedition of Christian’s army toward Jerusalem to overtake it from the control of Muslim. To recover Jerusalem and the surroundings was the main cause for the Crusades.
2.2. Religious Adoration: Christians were informed that the Muslims offended Jesus Christ by occupying Jerusalem. That really threatened Christians’ love of God, Jesus and the religion. If it were good to make a pilgrimage to the Holy land, much more would it be a moral act to rescue the holy land from the unauthorized controlled. This was the conviction they received that changed the pilgrim into a warrior.[3] So, the thought came up that Christian would take up his cause and fight for his honor. People were encouraged and many of them came up for the Missions. 

2.3. Military Adventure: The love of military adventure by many people also provides one factor, which was sanctified by the Roman Catholic that motivated in turn many people to come out for crusade.[4] Christians under the inspired of Pope then wanted to fight against Muslims of Eastern Europe rather than fighting each other.

2.4. Promise of Salvation: The Pope did motivate the people that if they participate in the war for Jesus Christ, they would receive reward of forgiving of their sins. Many people took the chance for receiving direct salvation from their many sins, and if they died, they would go straight to Heaven. As well as people were offered an escape from domestic boredom or from punishment for crimes.[5]

2.5. Pope Urban and Peter the Hermit: The character and interest of Pope Urban II and Peter the Hermit also contributed for the fulfillment of the Campaign for the first. An appeal of Pope Urban II called upon Western Christians to go for Crusades, through his sermon at a Council of Clermont in 1095, in France.[6] In addition, Peter the Hermit was used as a preacher or messenger to spread the message through much of Western Europe; he could convince many people to come up for the Holy War.[7]

Other leaders of the late Crusades were also not to be forgotten like king Louis VII, Philip Augustus and Richard Coeur-de-Lion, Frederick II, Thibaud de Champaigne, and Richard of Cornwall, etc.[8] They all contributed for the rise of the Crusades in different times.  

2.6. Eastern and Western Unity of the Church: In the tenth and eleventh century, the church relationship of East and west had deteriorated. Therefore, the desire the Pope was to heal and to bridge between these two wings of Catholic Church and Christian unity.[9] If they help each other in fighting Crusade there would be a chance for uniting. So, that emotion encouraged the Christians to take up steps.
3. The Campaigns:
The Crusade started in 1096 until 1272 CE. During these long periods, Eight Crusade campaigns took placed.

3.1. The First Crusade (1096): The first Crusade was started in 1096 by 80,000 people under the leadership of Godfrey; after the failure of 40,000 people with Peter the Hermit in the preceding year. People in large number joined them on the way and the members added to 6 lakhs.[10] They conquered Jerusalem and the whole Palestine. Godfrey was put as a ruler in Jerusalem. However, he died after one year; his brother Baldwin succeeded him in his throne. Thus, the Crusaders occupied the Palestine and rule for periods of time.

3.2. The Second Crusade (1147): The Latin kingdom of Crusaders in Palestine was not so strong because of lacking of good administrations. The kingdom was in danger of collapsing as Zingia kingdom raised up and captured Edessa the key city of the defenses of the Crusaders’ kingdom.[11] The Pope took this happening seriously and he called for second Crusade. French emperor Louis VII led the crusade, but the mission was not successful as such. 

During the period of Second Crusade, Islamic counter attack happened in 1187, Zingli general Saladin captured the Palestine from the hand of Crusaders and established Mohameddan rule there.

3.3. The Third Crusade (1188-92): The Islamic recovery of Palestine was then the cause of the third Crusade. There was no such strong Pope to host the Mission in that time. However, the intention of European kings was rather very strong that they form allies. Three armies set out under the leadership of king Phillip of France, king Richard of England, and Holy Roma emperor Barbarossa.[12] Barbarossa died there, and the two left kings were quarreling each other, which led to the return of Phillip of France. Richard also not fought anymore; instead, he made agreement with Sultan Saladin.[13] Therefore, the third crusade failed the mission of taking back the holy land. The land was thus left under the controlled of Islamic rule.

3.4. The Fourth Crusade (1204): The dream of retaking the Holy Land could not be calm down. That was the reason why the Crusade set forth under the motivation of Pope Innocent III. King of Flanders Baldwin led the expedition.[14]  However, the crusaders stormed Constantinople, plundered it, and put Baldwin on the Imperial throne.[15] Moreover, they established Latin kingdom in the Eastern side. The fourth crusade showed the other bad news for Pope and other Christians that the Crusaders captured Eastern Christian land instead of fighting against the Muslim.

3.5. The Fifth Crusade (1212/1217): If we put the so-called Children Crusade was one of them, it would be in the fifth. One young boy Nicholas of Cologne started the Children Crusade by marching towards Italy with thousands of children. However, many of them were confined by slave sellers and sold them in Egypt as slaves.[16] A crusade spirit flowed over Europe so that these youngsters also inspired by the Crusaders on their campaign. So, in thinking that they could do the same for the extension of the kingdom of God they went out for Crusade without any armed.

3.6. The Sixth Crusade (1228): Emperor Frederick promised to set out for Crusade to the Pope, but the processing was very long that caused banish of the emperor by Pope. However, eventually Emperor Frederick explored with some soldiers. It was said the second succeeded crusade after the first.[17] They made consideration that Sultan Kemela handed over him some parts of Palestine like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth and Joppa. So, the Crusaders’ succeeded land was standing until 20 years before the conquest of Tartar Muslim in 1248.[18]

3.7. The Seventh Crusade (1249): Because of the failure of the previous crusades, people put their sentiment to their society and the European kings to their respective lands. They were not enough enthusiastic for crusade; even the Pope also put his mind more on against Frederick. But, in that time there was one good emperor called St. Louis of France; with him many soldiers set out again for the mission. They could conquer Egyptians but unfortunately, he lost most of his soldiers due to disease and enemy. Mameluke, the successor of Sultan Saladin, also imprisoned him.[19] He cashed in himself by a lot of money and went back in 1250.

3.8. The Eighth Crusade (1270): The last Expedition for the Crusade was again under St. Louis. After his failure at the first attempt, he was still in the same condition to success. In the year 1270, he left for the same again. However, sadly, his soldiers and he died because of diseases without succeeding his mission. And, the Crusade was end up in 1272.[20]
4. Consequences of the Crusades:
4.1. The Crusade weakened rather than strengthened the Greek Church and Eastern Empire in their resistance to aggressive Islam.[21]
4.2. One of the motives behind the Crusade was failed that instead of Uniting Eastern and Western Christians, it deepened and widened the division between them.[22]
4.3. The Crusades intensified the hatred and scorn of Muslim for the Christians.[23]
4.4. It increased the position of Pope. During the Crusades Pope was one who gave order, which is why after finishing crusades, Pope was given high respect.
4.5. The Crusades brought the political system a change from feudalism to monarchy in Europe.[24] Before, people were under the lords but after the Crusades, the power of feudal lords weakened. The kings who led the Crusades were given more power and high respect, and loyalty in exchange for protection.
4.6. Some new monastic orders were established in The Catholic Church, such as the Knight of the Temple, the Teutonic Knight, and the Knight of Saint John.
5. Implication for Indian Churches of the Present time:
5.1. Situation of Indian Churches of the Present time: India is the pluralist country in which different races, languages, religions, and philosophies have to be found.[25] It is the country of united in diversity. And, India is a secular state that different religions grow together. Even within Christianity, there are so many ecumenical and denominational churches like Roman Catholic, Orthodox, United Church (combination of Catholic and Reformed traditions), Protestant mainline and sectarian, etc. At the same time, unity among the churches is there by forming Councils like Church of South India (CSI), Church of North India (CNI), National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), North East Indian Christian Council (NEICC), Mar Thoma Church, etc.[26] But on the other hand in sharing pulpit to each other, and in other ceremony and rituals Indian churches could not join each other.
5.2. Implication of the Crusades: In India in the present time, the movement of conversion may be appropriate to use in comparing with the Crusades of 11th to 13th Century CE. There are no such kinds of places to be claimed as the Holy Land in India, but the Holy Land of Indian Churches is in the heart of the people. We do not want to lose our lands from Muslim, Hindu and other religious controlled. Some of our holy lands were taken back by other religions; some are still under foreign rulers. So, Indian Churches have to launch the crusade or mission to claim and to win our holy lands from the tyrannical control of Muslims, Hindus, etc. as well as our goal is to be expanding to win the complex unity of the ecumenical churches as the Crusades tried to bring Eastern and Western unity. That is how the Crusades can have an implication for Indian Churches of the present time. We can learn people’s royalty and honesty to the Christianity and the Church also; and the Crusades can encourage Indian churches to extend the Kingdom of God and to fortify the extended Kingdom.
Conclusion:
Thus from above discussion, it is obvious that the Crusades was not so successful on their main objective of taking back the Holy Land from Muslim Tyranny. It took hundreds of years; it brought many changes in the society, political and cultural situation of the Europe. Even though Crusades was put in the name of God for the extension of His Kingdom, the instrument like fighting with confiscating, capturing, insulting, defeating badly, and plundering other people is to be placed on the opposite site of the teachings of Jesus Christ. That may be the reason why the Crusade was said not succeeded.

……………………………………..

Bibliography:
D’sa, Fr. Thomas.                    The Church in India in the Emerging Third Millennium. Bangalore: NBCLC, 2005.
Hrangkhuma, F.                      Introduction to Church History. Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1996.
Latourette, Kenneth Scott.     A history of Christianity Volume I: Beginnings to 1500. New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1975.
Saiaithanga.                             Kohhran Chanchin. Aizawl: Synod Book Room, 1976.

Webliography:


[4] F. Hrangkhuma, Introduction to Church History (Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1996), 148.
[5] F. Hrangkhuma, Introduction….
[6] F. Hrangkhuma, Introduction….
[7] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity Volume I: Beginnings to 1500 (New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1975), 410.
[8] http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04543c.htm (2/9/2011).
[9] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity Volume I: Beginnings to 1500 (New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1975), 409.
[10] Saiaithanga, Kohhran Chanchin (Aizawl: Synod Book Room, 1976), 114.
[11] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity Volume I: Beginnings to 1500 (New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1975), 411.
[12] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity….
[13] Saiaithanga, Kohhran Chanchin (Aizawl: Synod Book Room, 1976), 115.
[14] Saiaithanga, Kohhran Chanchin (Aizawl: Synod Book Room, 1976), 116.
[15] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity Volume I: Beginnings to 1500 (New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1975), 412.
[16] Saiaithanga, Kohhran Chanchin (Aizawl: Synod Book Room, 1976), 116.
[17] Saiaithanga, Kohhran Chanchin….
[18] Saiaithanga, Kohhran Chanchin….
[19] Saiaithanga, Kohhran Chanchin…, 117.
[20] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity Volume I: Beginnings to 1500 (New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1975), 419.
[21] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity Volume I: Beginnings to 1500 (New York: Harper & Row Publishers Inc., 1975), 414.
[22] F. Hrangkhuma, Introduction to Church History (Bangalore: Theological Book Trust, 1996), 149.
[23] Kenneth Scott Latourette, A history of Christianity…, 414.
[25] Fr. Thomas D’sa, The Church in India in the Emerging Third Millennium (Bangalore: NBCLC, 2005), 27.
[26] Fr. Thomas D’sa, The Church in India in the Emerging Third Millennium (Bangalore: NBCLC, 2005), 700.