Replies submitted
by Chairman and Secretary of the General Conference, Mennonite Mission
in India, Saraipali, Raipur district
1. Reply to Questionnaire
on Christian Missionaries Activities:-
Year
|
|
Baptized Christians
|
Total Christian Community
|
(1)
|
|
(2)
|
(3)
|
1941
|
...
|
2,393
|
3,736
|
1947
|
...
|
3,716
|
6,269
|
1951
|
...
|
3,387
|
5,702
|
1954
|
...
|
3,401
|
5,811
|
As Christians we do not recognize
caste.
5. It
is our position and belief that people accept Christ individually.
Many times this is just one individual of a family, but it may also be
more than one member of a family.
7. The
emoluments of Pracharaks are quite low. No rewards are offered or
given for successful work.
8. We
repudiate the methods cited. We do not advance loans as baits, nor
promise free education nor medical help nor employment. We feel it is unfair
to insinuate the use of fraudulent and unfair means as in (m). We
extol Christ and His teachings.
10. All
conversions are the result of religious conviction, unless we have been
deceived.
11. No,
on the contrary it increases national loyalty and outlook. Christians
respond to Government efforts to vaccinate, many of them know and sing
the national anthem while neighbouring non-Christians do not. We
constantly urge the support of government. The Bible says, “Let every
soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but
of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.” “Put them in mind to be
subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready
to every good work.” “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, in cessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings,
and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty.”
12. Our
purpose is to make Christ known. Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and
teach all nations.” If a person is converted, it is his own decision, reached
through inner convictions.
13. At
the time of Christ people were offended in Him, His teachings, preaching
and His works. Today likewise.
15. As
a rule the Pracharaks are respected. They are usually local people.
16. Some
Pracharaks are middle school pass, some less, some High School. They
do not get any rewards.
17. None
are sent to foreign countries for training.
19. The
Bible, the New Testament, portions of the Bible and other literature based
on these.
20. We
do not propagandize, but give information.
21. None at all.
23. They
pray for the Central and State Governments in India and constantly urge
people to uphold and support the local, provincial and central Governments.
24. In
a number of places Christians have been reconverted. It is reported
that in some villages efforts are being made to get Christians to sign
statements by minor Government officials concerning their religious position.
This intimidates some people.
25. Communal
feelings have been more noticeable since the Inquiry Commission came.
Before that relations were most cordial.
26. This
is against our Christian beliefs and principles.
27. We know of none.
29. Not
in politics nor in communal relations, but in medical and educational work.
32. People
were formerly very poor, but are slowly raising their economic status.
33. Yes.
34. No.
36. We welcome National Reconstruction
efforts.
37. Christians
and missionaries have been encouraged to give and take part.
39. Missionaries
are members of the church, subject to church discipline. Fellowship
with Christian and non-Christians in their homes, such as attendance at
and they are received into the homes of missionaries.
40. The
Christian community is not hostile to Indian traditions and the best of
national culture, and remains Indian and not foreign in its affinity.
41. Some
social customs are kept when they are not contrary to the Christian faith.
43. The
General Conference Mennonite Mission has been working in this area since
1901. The Roman Catholics and an independent missionary are also
working in this area.
44. In
December 1947, there were 34 missionaries in India. In December 1954,
there are 30.
46. The
foreign Missionaries are of Canadian and American nationality.
47. Except
for specialised work the standard for qualification for Missionaries is
a B.A. degree or its equivalent. The salary received by missionaries
in India is less than they received before entering missionary service
and is less than they would be receiving if they were working in the homeland.
48. None.
51. By
voluntary contributions from members of sister churches overseas.
52. Accounts
are audited by a selected committee.
57. (a)
Christ said we should preach and teach. We do not consider this propaganda,
but give information.
(b) Schools and hospitals.
(c) Extension work in village
uplift through the schools, and public health work through the hospitals.
63. We
observe comity of missions. There are some groups in this area which
do not.
65. No.
67. No.
Missionaries must sign a pledge to keep out of politics.
68. No, there is no connection.
69. There
are two General and one Leprosy Hospital.
70. Admission
is open to all, regardless of economic, religious, or social status.
71. No. Inducements are not
offered.
72. No,
patients are not obliged to take part.
74. Pay
is much less than government scale in many grades of service.
76. No.
78. 16
Primary, 3 Middle and 1 High School.
81. It
has happened, but no minor has been baptized.
82. We know of no such cases.
83. We
follow government scale. Freeships are not offered as an inducement
for changing religion.
84. The conscience clause
is followed.
88. We follow gazetted holidays.
89. Yes,
with great enthusiasm. Programmes, parades, flag raising, public
welfare projects.
91. Yes, to all three sections
of the question.
92. Attendance is not compulsory.
98. Yes,
on a basis of mutual respect and co-operation.
S. T. MOYER,
Chairman.
Mrs. O. A.
WALTNER,
Secretary, General Conference,
Mennonite Mission in India,
Saraipali, Raipur district.
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