A confrontation broke out on Sunday at the CSI Thirumandala Church Office on Race Course Road, Coimbatore, amid a long-standing dispute within the church’s administration.
According to reports, the church oversees 125 CSI congregations in Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruppur, and the Nilgiris, employing a large number of bishops and staff. Since 2014, two factions within the administrative committee have been at odds. One faction has accused CSI Coimbatore Zone Bishop Timothy Ravinder and others of misappropriating provident fund money meant for bishops and employees. The matter is currently before the court.
Assistant Bishop Rajesh, a member of the Pastoral Committee, has filed a case against Bishop Ravinder. On 10 August 2025, Rajesh and his supporters arrived to take part in the Sunday service but were allegedly blocked at the gate by members of the bishop’s faction.
Rajesh’s supporters claimed that hostility toward the Dalit community’s participation in church administration since 2014 has fueled continued acts of retaliation. They alleged that church zone had been divided to their disadvantage, and despite a High Court order to maintain the status quo, the current leadership had not complied.
They further alleged that when they attempted to enter the church in priestly attire, bouncers and hired men, allegedly at the bishop’s behest, prevented their entry.
The group has lodged a complaint with Race Course Police Station over the incident. Video footage of the altercation has circulated, causing a stir within the Coimbatore church community.
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