ORIGINS AND FOUNDATION

The Gossner Evangelical Lutheran (GEL) Church in Chotanagpur and Assam was officially established on November 2, 1845, by four German missionaries—Emil Schatz, Fredrik Batsch, Augustus Brandt, and E. Theodore Janke—who were skilled in theology, education, and economics. These missionaries were sent by Rev. Fr. Johannes Evangelista Gossner of Berlin, initially intending to minister to the Karens of Burma. However, after an unexpected stay in Kolkata, they encountered Chotanagpur laborers living in poverty, which stirred a deep compassion and redirected their mission to Chotanagpur, where they felt called to serve the indigenous communities.

Upon their arrival in Ranchi, they set up camp in what is now Bethesda campus and initiated their ministry with a focus on preaching, teaching, and healthcare. They aimed to address the exploitation and oppression faced by the local people, promoting a “Gospel of Liberation” that sought to uplift these communities. Their efforts included founding schools, healthcare centers, and other social services, embodying a liberating mission that sought to transform and empower the local people.

EARLY CONVERSIONS AND CHURCH EXPANSION

The church’s first baptism was conducted on June 25, 1846, for an orphan girl named Martha. This was followed by a significant baptism on June 9, 1850, involving four Oraon individuals, and subsequent baptisms of members from other indigenous groups. Over time, the GEL Church expanded its reach beyond Chotanagpur, extending to Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, and even the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as Adivasi converts migrated as tea garden workers to these regions.

INDEPENDENCE AND AUTONOMY

During World War I, German missionaries were forced out by the British authorities, which left the local church leaders with the challenge of sustaining the church independently. On July 10, 1919, the GEL Church declared its autonomy under the leadership of Rev. Hanuk Datto Lakra, Mr. Peter Hurad, and others. This marked the formal succession of the German mission by indigenous leadership, with the church being registered under the Societies Registration Act in Patna on July 30, 1921.

STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND CRISES

In 1949, the GEL Church adopted a Synodical system, later replaced by the Anchal System in 1960, which organized the church into four regions or Anchals. However, financial and leadership challenges led to a constitutional crisis, resulting in the dissolution of the Kedriya Salahkari Sabha (KSS) in 1973. Following a period of administrative adjustments, a constitutional amendment in 1974 introduced an Episcopal Polity, which formally took effect in 1995 to commemorate the church’s 150th anniversary. This reorganization divided the church into six dioceses, each led by an Episcopal bishop, and Ranchi was designated as the headquarters congregation.

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS

A subsequent amendment in 2010 introduced additional changes, such as extending the Moderator’s term and conferring special authority to the General Secretary over church properties and documents. An Auxiliary Bishop was also elevated to oversee the Headquarters’ Congregation, bringing parity with diocesan bishops.

Today, the GEL Church continues its mission in Chotanagpur and Assam, embodying a history of resilience, adaptation, and dedication to serving the needs of the Adivasi communities and spreading the message of liberation and empowerment through faith.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The latest organizational structure of the Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chotanagpur and Assam (GEL Church) reflects a significant evolution over its history. Currently, it is organized into five dioceses and a central administrative body. These dioceses include:

1. North-East Diocese
2. North-West Diocese
3. South-East Diocese
4. South-West Diocese
5. Madhaya Diocese

Additionally, the church headquarters is located in Ranchi, Jharkhand, which also oversees a central congregation known as the Headquarters Congregation, Ranchi.

Each diocese is led by an Episcopal Bishop, while the Headquarters Congregation is managed by a Dean. The central administrative body, the Central Council (Kendriya Salahkari Sabha), ensures coordination across dioceses, implementing church policies, and managing resources and property. The GEL Church also engages in extensive community work through various institutions, including health care centers, educational facilities, and social welfare services like old age homes and vocational training centers.

Since the constitutional revisions in 1995, which marked its 150th anniversary, and further amendments in 2011, the church has embraced a structure that emphasizes its mission of community empowerment, social development, and spiritual growth. The church remains affiliated with the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India (UELCI), underscoring its commitment to ecumenical unity and social justice.

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