What is it about?
This article examines how Benjamin Bailey and his Church Missionary Society colleagues launched a 'Mission of Help' to the ancient Thomas Christian community of Kerala. In particular I outline how Bailey's interacctions with these Chritians led him to believe that for the most part they actually needed to be converted to 'real Christianity.'
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Why is it important?
This article shows the necessity of clear mutual understanding in attempting to enter upon partnership in mission. In doing so I stimulate thought concerning best practice for ecumenical partnership. Questions such as 'what is a Christian?' and 'what is the Church?' cannot be avoided.
Perspectives
It has been fascinating to observe how this community reamined professing Christians for almost two millennia. At the same time Bailey's challenge regarding nominal Christianity is one that all churches and professing Christians need to take seriously.
Gary McKee
Leeds Trinity University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Benjamin Bailey and the Call for the Conversion of an Ancient Christian Church in India, Studies in World Christianity, August 2018, Edinburgh University Press,
DOI: 10.3366/swc.2018.0216.
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