Wow, the time we’ve spent in Jabalpur has been amazing and exhausting. Upon our arrival Thursday we immediately joined the Leonard Theological College in its chapel service. Afterwards we met with a few students for coffee, took a tour of the facility (26 acres) and then joined the students for lunch. The rest of the afternoon and evening was given over to meeting with the faculty and staff and the first of the Bishop and Mrs. Parmar Lectures series.
Our second day, Friday, August 12, began early. Each day there is a chapel service. Friday I brought the message. Much to my surprise when I arrived in the chapel all the pews were moved to make room for carpets that covered the floor. The Leonard’s student worship team had prepared the sanctuary for an indigenous worship. Everyone was seated on the floor. A brass oil lamp and two pottery oil lamps were in the front of the sanctuary. A beautifully colored Ranghi (I have to check the spelling) was chalked on the floor, colors of red, yellow, orange, green, purple, were all used to create three petals. The lamps were placed in front (toward the dais and on either side). The worship service included traditional Western Christian liturgy as well as Indian prayers and songs. The service began with classical Indian music. Rather than me preaching from the pulpit, on the dais a small raised seat was placed in the middle immediately in front of the altar table with an equally small platform from which I could read my sermon or scripture. Seated on either side of me were three persons who participated in the service at different times.
After the opening classical Indian music each person on the dais helped light the wicks in the oil lamps with me going last. Indian songs followed, then prayers from the Atharva Veda and Rig-Veda, and a liturgy for an Indian context. To give you a taste of the service, after the lighting of the candles the opening invocation began with these words:
Saranam, Saranam, Jagadisvara (God of the Universe)
Saranam, Saranam, Hridayevari (Mother God of the heart)
Saranam, Saranam, Anandapura (Fullness of Joy)
Saranam, Saranam, Kalyana-Kari (Maker of Good)
Saranam, Saranam, Jivesvara (God of Life)
Saranam, Saranam, Sarvesvari (Mother God of all being)
Saranam, Saranam, Pramata-pita (Wise Father)
Saranam, Saranam, Karuna-mata (Compassionate Mother)
It was a wonderful service. Though I must say, it is quite different to preach sitting down rather than standing, good but different.
Later that day we participated in sessions with students presenting papers two papers on theological education and ministerial formation. Priti Shinde presented her paper and addressed the issues that confront women who are pursuing theological education to become ordained. Matsung Longkumer addressed the issues of ministerial formation that specifically addresses the tribal issues in Northeast India, his home area.
Women as pastors is still a controversial issue in much of India. As in the USA, some areas are more accepting than others. The cultural prejudice against women pastors may be reflected in Leonard’s student population; out of 96 students three are women. Patriarchy is still very powerful in India. Another indication of this is the Women’s School. Shortly after the founding of Leonard Theological College a Women’s School was introduced for the training of pastor’s spouses. In 1872 the Methodist missionaries to India did not anticipate women becoming pastors but they did think that pastor’s wives needed to be equipped to serve beside their husbands in ministry. That tradition is still strong in India and the Women’s School is an example. This year the school has 9 students and its course work includes English, biblical studies, home science, health and hygiene, computer and the history of Christianity.
Here’s a tidbit statistic: there are 2200 Methodist ordained clergy in India, 10 of which are women!
I’m fascinated by the openness in India’s culture of female god language and yet the close mindedness of women as clergy. This is a common phenomenon through much of the 2/3rds world. In contrast, we in the West have struggled to be more inclusive of female and non-gender specific names for God believing, at least in part, that language is powerful and is one of the social components that forms our understanding and perceptions of the world and ourselves, especially ritualized religious language. We’ve experiences limited success in promoting inclusive language for God but we’ve been far more successful at normalizing women as clergy.
Later Friday afternoon I met with the students to discuss several topics of interest to them: struggles of the churches in America, ministerial formation, theological education in America, and the youth in the American church. It was a rich discussion. I think they were somewhat surprised to hear that the same issues they struggle with are the same issues the American churches struggle with.
Pentecostalism is growing rapidly in India and brings many challenges to the existing churches. A pattern has begun that is causing strife and tension. People will attend the Pentecostal church for the worship service because of its lively music and message. But when the family needs a funeral or wedding or baptism they go back to their traditional church. Unfortunately it is the Pentecostal church that is receiving their tithe. You can see where this leads.
Amy’s second lecture was very well received and the theology of Christian hospitality continues to spark lively discussion. We finished the day with Revd, Rodgers the Principle of Leonard (we would identify him as the President) and his wife Sunita. They, like everyone here at Leonard and every place we have visited, are very gracious and their hospitality is humbling. I’ve never had to eat and/or turn down so much food and tea.
Blessings,
Perry
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