The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has been formally welcomed into membership in Christian Churches Together (CCT) during its 20th Anniversary Forum held in Birmingham, Alabama from October 6 to 9, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the Malankara Church's growing ecumenical engagement and Christian witness in North America.
This historic development reflects the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church's continuing commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with other Christian communions, strengthening mutual understanding, and participating in a united Christian witness while remaining firmly rooted in its ancient apostolic faith and traditions.
The membership is the fruit of ongoing conversations and collaborative efforts between representatives of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and Dr. Monica Schaap Pierce, Executive Director of Christian Churches Together, whose encouragement and engagement helped facilitate this important step toward closer ecumenical fellowship.
As part of the Forum proceedings, Rev. Fr. Daniel Mathai, Director of Ecumenical Relations for the Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, offered a special video presentation introducing the Church, its apostolic heritage, and its mission in North America.
The presentation highlighted the Church's origins in the evangelistic mission of St. Thomas the Apostle in India, its rich Orthodox theological and liturgical traditions, and its continuing growth and ministry across North America. Particular emphasis was placed on the Church's commitment to preserving its ancient faith while actively engaging contemporary society through worship, Christian education, charitable outreach, and service to the wider community.
The Church's inclusion in CCT opens new avenues for fellowship, dialogue, and cooperation with a broad spectrum of Christian traditions throughout the United States. It also provides an important opportunity to share the distinctive spiritual heritage of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church within the wider Christian community.
Under the spiritual leadership of His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, the Church continues to affirm the importance of cultivating relationships of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among Christian Churches.
About Christian Churches Together (CCT)
Christian Churches Together is one of the broadest ecumenical fellowships of Christian Churches and organizations in the United States. Established in 2006, CCT brings together Christian communions from diverse theological, cultural, and ecclesiastical backgrounds, including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Historic Black Church traditions.
Through prayer, dialogue, relationship-building, and collaborative engagement, CCT seeks to deepen fellowship among Christians, promote mutual understanding, and encourage a common Christian witness on matters of shared concern.
The inclusion of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church further enriches this fellowship, bringing the distinctive heritage and witness of the ancient St. Thomas Christian tradition of India into its shared mission.