Kochi: Broadway CSI Immanuel Church was raised to the status of Cathedral, the first in the diocese of Kochi. Announcing this, Rev.Baker Ninan Fenn on14March 2017 said that this is a recognition for 110 years of spiritual and relentless social service to the society. Rev. Thomas K. Ommen led the function held on Sunday 7 May 2017 at the church premises of Church of South India to, raise the church to cathedral. This was followed by a public function chaired by Rev. Baker Nina Fen.
Rev. Fen reminded that there are a few things that should be kept in mind by the diocese and the believers. God has goodness in his heart. It has to be ensured that there is no shortfall in the spiritual and emotional support and service provided to the believers.In his inaugural address Rev. Ommen reiterated the need for religious harmony.
The active participation of leaders across religions has been able to spread the message of religious harmony, It is important the we follow the path of religious acceptance, which we inherited from earlier generations said Swami Suendhara Nath, Nechima Ashram. The celebration of the status of church being raised to cathedral not being restricted to the particular community is a model to be emulated said Hussain Badri, Arabic Academy, FFID Ernakulam.
Rt.Rev.Dr. V.Prasada Rao (Deputy Moderator, CSI and Bishop of Dornakal Diocese), Rev.Dr.D.Rathnakara Sadananda (General Secretary, CSI) Adv.C.Robert Bruce (Treasurer, CSI), Rt.Rev.Dr.K.G.Daniel (Bishop-CSI East Kerala Diocese), Rt.Rev. Dr.P.G.Kuruvilla(Retired Bishop, former CSI North Kerala Diocese), Rt.Rev.Thomas Samuel (Retired Bishop, CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese), Rt. Rev. Joseph Kalankad (Bishop, Roman Catholic church, Forkochi), Prof.K.V.Thomas( MP), Sri. Hibi Eden(MLA) also felicitated the gathering. The public meeting was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Abraham Simon (Diocesan Lay Secretary)