Church of North India (CNI) installed Rev Shailesh Dennis Lall, an ordained minister of the Delhi Diocese as the seventh General Secretary of the CNI Synod in a solemn service on 2 July. The service in Bhavan Chapel was conducted by CNI Moderator Most Rev Dr P.C Singh, and viewed by many CNI members and others worldwide on Zoom. Prior to this appointment, Rev Lall was Secretary of the Delhi Diocese and Presbyter in Charge of St. Martin’s Church, Delhi Cantonment, having served for 22 years in both rural and urban settings.
Taking up the mantle of leadership, Rev Lall spoke about how the church had worked towards socioeconomic justice and development, pioneered in health and education, and provided spiritual nurture in the country as part of its witness and service.
He considered promoting mental health and wellbeing as another aspect of church ministry that should be prioritised. During the pandemic, psychological challenges were on the rise and likely to continue post-pandemic, and the Church has the responsibility and potential for psychological empowerment for all ages at all levels, he said.
Rev Lall also expressed his wish to contribute towards meaningful engagement with ecumenical partners locally and globally, as CNI “has preferential commitment to be a leading light in ecumenical initiatives”.