The Indian Christian Oranisation in London was founded on September 28, 1969.  It was   Dr J Russell Chandran, the then Principal of the United Theological College, Bangalore who mooted the idea.  During his visit to London a meeting was arranged at the Indian YMCA, London for Christians from different parts of India now living in the UK  Dr Chandran spoke at length of the revival that was then taking place in India.  He made an impassioned plea that Christians from India who had settled in the UK should make some positive contribution to the Church in Britain and in some way relate to Christians in India.  Those present at the meeting were quick to see the need for an Indian Christian Oranisation.  The idea was sold and our organization was born. An ad-hoc committee was soon set up and a constitution was formulated. Dr S D Malaiperuman [former Warden and General Secretary of the Indian YMCA, London] was rightly elected as the Founder President and Mr Rupert George its First Secretary.  The dynamic personality and wide ranging influence of the President along with the enthusiasm and commitment of the Committee members enabled the organisation to move forward. Every one felt that the ICO was a gift and the members were responding to a call to fulfill a task.
In addition to recruiting members from Indian Christian community, attempts were quickly made to establish contacts with the Missionary Societies and Christian Institutions that had connections with India.  Leading church men like Dr Michael Ramsey, the then Archbishop of Canterbury, the late Cardinal Henan blessed our Organisation by their participation in our functions.  Great encouragement came from the Indian High Commission too.  The late Mr Appa Pant took a keen interest in our progress and was present in some of our celebrations.
Some of the members living in the Midlands felt it appropriate to start a Branch in Birmingham.  After considerable discussions and consultations, their dream came true on October 13, 1991. The members chose their own office bearers, headed by Dr D Israel as its first Chairman.  Those interested to participate in their activities could contact its current officer bearers whose names and contact numbers are listed elsewhere.

Fostering fellowship among Indian Christians from different linguistic sates of India, living in the UK, keeping in touch in the developments in India, particularly those affecting the Christian Community and cooperating with Organizations and Bodies in the UK that had an interest in India were some of the objectives of the ICO.
One could say that to make our existence known to the Church and Institutions in Britain was our first phase of development. It was also an ecumenical grace since for the first time Indian Christians in the UK from all denominations. Protestants, Roman Catholics, Mar Thomas  Church, Syrian Orthodox Church, Methodists, Baptists and the like were meeting, praying and moving forward to establish ecumenical contacts.

The ICO recognizes that as a Christian organisation, we also belong to the world-wide Christian family.  It acknowledges the importance of the part each member should play in developing a happy, friendly and a meaningful relationship with all the members of the family of God both in India and the UK.
Over the years, the ICO has tried to meet the needs of the Indian Christians by promoting a variety of activities.  As it heads towards its Golden Jubilee, it looks out for fresh ideas and new blood.  It has a continuing role to play.

Those who would like to become members could get in touch with the current office bearers whose contact numbers are listed on Contact us section of this website