Emergence: 

Emergence: The Indian Christian Organisation - UK was founded on the 28th of September 1969. Dr J Russell Chandran, the then Principal of the United Theological College, Bangalore propounded the idea during his visit to London. A meeting was arranged at the Indian YMCA, London for Christians from different parts of India living in the UK. He made an impassioned plea that Christians from India who had settled in the UK should make positive contributions to the Church in the UK and in some way relate to Christians in India. Those present at the meeting were quick to recognise the need for an organisation.The idea was sold and our organisation 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 as 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. The founding members felt that the ICO was a gift and the members were responding to a call to fulfil a God given vision. In addition to recruiting members from the Indian Christian community, attempts were quickly made to establish contacts with the Missionary Societies and Christian Institutions that had connections with India. Leaders like Dr Michael Ramsey, the then Archbishop of Canterbury and the late Cardinal Henan blesed our Organisation by their participation in our gatherings. 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 ownoffice bearers, headed by Dr D Israel as its first Chairman.