[ACNS] The Church of South India (CSI) has held a double celebration to give thanks for the ministry of its retired bishops.

The present bishops of the church together with its retired bishops met last week in Vishranthi Nilayam, Bangalore. It was an opportunity "for the past and present episcopal church leaders to meet each other," the church said on its website. "It connected the past and the present to envision a better future for the Church of South India. It provided a platform to share common concerns, revive friendships and enabled a fruitful fellowship within the leaders."

On the same day, the church held a thanksgiving prayer at Saint Andrew's Church in Bangalore to mark the 100th birthday of the Rt Revd William Karl, the former bishop of the diocese of Northern Karnataka. Bishop Karl, together with his daughter and son-in-law, Pauline and Daniel, was joined by the bishops of the Church of South India, Presbyters and hundreds of congregation members.

The Moderator of the CSI, the Most Revd Dr Govada Dyvasirvadam, brought greetings and shared God’s word, giving a homily which spoke about the plea of Moses to see the face of God and how God out of his mercy and Goodness passed by Moses to experience the ‘Shekinah’ of God. He said that God’s mercy was ever affectionate towards Moses in experiencing the revealed Godself.

Bishop Karl had experienced such grace of God in his life, Dr Dyvasirvadam said, adding that Bishop Karl has truly tasted God’s goodness and mercy by standing as an icon between two generations both past and present, passing on the mantle of God’s testimony, truth and humble service that he has received from his predecessors.

The church of South India honoured Bishop Karl with the ‘Mysore Petah’ - a cap signifying royalty and respect traditionally associated with the Mysore province - as well as a shawl and flowers.

To mark the occasion, the Church of South India announced the "Bishop W. V. Karl Centennial M.Th Scholarship” to inspire and enable deserving aspirants to pursue higher studies in theological education.

"The CSI Synod wishes and prays that God will shower his abundant blessings on Bishop Karl, by granting him good health and peace in his twilight years," the CSI said on its website. "The CSI Synod Secretariat also thanks the family of Bishop Karl for accepting this invitation to celebrate his birthday and also acknowledges Karnataka Central Diocese for all the arrangements and hospitality."