Ecumenical Christmas Gathering Held in Madhepura in Bihar to Promote Christian Unity

Madhepura, Bihar, December 16, 2025 — Christian leaders and faithful from several denominations came together at St. Joseph Church, Shahpur, Madhepura, on Tuesday for an ecumenical Christmas gathering aimed at strengthening unity and cooperation among Churches in the region.

The programme, organised by the Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue of the Muzaffarpur Diocese, was attended by around 150 participants, including pastors, priests, religious, youth, teachers and lay representatives from Catholic, Anglican, Brethren in Christ, Santhali and other independent Christian communities from Madhepura and neighbouring areas.

Addressing the gathering, Fr. Alex Kurusumuttil, Vicar General of Muzaffarpur, said Christian unity was integral to the teaching of Jesus Christ and essential for a credible Christian witness in society. He said ecumenism was not optional but a necessity, particularly in a context of social tension and insecurity, and called for greater cooperation among Churches.

Raghu Murmu, pastor of the Brethren in Christ Church, described ecumenical collaboration as an urgent need, noting that Christian communities often felt marginalised and vulnerable. He said sustained dialogue and joint action could strengthen confidence and enable Churches to stand together despite denominational differences.

Representatives of the Nav Bharat Mission, the Santhali Church and the Anglican Church in Saharsa also spoke, stressing the importance of regular inter-Church prayer, local-level collaboration and collective engagement. Speakers said diversity of traditions need not weaken Christian identity but could enrich it when grounded in a shared commitment to Christ.

By Fr. Ranjeet Joseph 

Commission for Ecumenism and Dialogue.

Diocese of Muzaffarpur, Bihar