history

Christian Institute for the Study of Religion and Society (CISRS) was founded in 1957 in Bengaluru. It was established with the active support of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI). M.M. Thomas, P.D. Devanandan, R.B. Manickam, R.W. Scott, Chandran Devanesan, C.S Paul, C.T. Kurien, A.K Thampy, Leonardo Schiff, Winbum T. Thouburm, E.V Mathew and Russel Chandran were the pioneers to formulate this institution. CISRS is known as the “Research arm of the Indian churches” and the “think tank of Asian churches.” Since its formation, it is located at Miller’s Road (No. 73), Bengaluru. It is registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960 (Mysore Act No. 17 0f 1960). Besides the Bengaluru headquarters office complex, the Institute owns another office and program Centre (South Asian Study and Research Centre) on Mathura Road in New Delhi.

As one of the earliest and pioneering Christian movements in India, CISRS entered into scholarly studies in renascent Hinduism and engaged itself in interreligious dialogue in the 1950s. in the 1970s, CISRS joined hands with the progressive social movements to formulate a theology of the responsible state in response to the Emergency. During this period, CISRS initiated a paradigm shift in the understanding of the Christian mission in India—a shift form evangelization to social action. In the 1990s onwards CISRS initiated discussions and deliberations to challenge the monolithic and authoritarian developmental policies of the state and stood in solidarity with the marginalized in this country. CISRS's role in formulating Indian Christian social thought is well acknowledged. As a publishing house, CISRS brings out materials to inculcate a radical Christian faith in response to the socio-political issues of society.

CISRS continues to encourage and support study and research in the fields of religion and society. It can readily take the cause of the people with concern as they participate, address, assimilate and articulate their concerns, faith expressions and experiences in the cause of bringing change and transformation in the society at large— ‘to do the truth in love’ as their faith affirmation and witness.