The Church of South India has elected The Most Rev. Prof. Dr. K. Reuben Mark as its new Moderator following a special Synod session held at the LITE campus of the CSI Diocese of Madras on 21 July 2025.
Justice V. Bharathidasan, serving as Election Officer, formally announced the results during the gathering of Synod delegates. The election marks a significant moment for the denomination, with church leadership extending congratulations to the newly chosen leader.
Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary of the CSI, and Prof. Dr. B. Vimal Sukumar, Honorary Treasurer, joined Synod Council delegates in offering their "heartfelt greetings and warmest congratulations" to the elected Moderator.
The church celebrated the announcement on social media, describing it as "a moment of prayerful celebration for the entire CSI family" and expressing hopes that "God guide him with wisdom and grace."
Dr. Reuben Mark brings extensive ecclesiastical experience to his new role. He has served as Bishop-in-Karimnagar since 2015, becoming the sixth bishop in that succession. His episcopal seat is located at the CSI-Wesley Cathedral in Karimnagar.
Before his appointment as bishop, Dr. Reuben Mark dedicated two decades to theological education, serving as Professor of Homiletics at the Protestant Regional Theologate in Hyderabad from 1995 to 2015.
His academic journey began after completing graduate studies in Hanumakonda. Bishop G. B. Devasahayam sent him to the United Theological College in Bangalore, where he earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree between 1984 and 1988. During his studies, he learned under Principal E. C. John and distinguished faculty members including G. D. Melanchthon, James Carl, Theodore N. Swanson, and D. N. Premnath.
Following his ordination as Deacon in 1988 by Bishop K. E. Swamidass, Dr. Reuben Mark was ordained as Presbyter the following year at the CSI-Wesley Cathedral. He initially served parishes within the Diocese of Karimnagar before returning to theological studies.
In 1992, he pursued advanced studies at the same Bangalore institution, completing his Master of Theology degree specialising in Homiletics in 1994 under Professor P. Surya Prakash. The Senate of Serampore College (University) awarded both his graduate and postgraduate degrees during D. S. Satyaranjan's tenure as Registrar.
After completing his seminary education in 1994, Dr. Reuben Mark resumed parish ministry until 1995, when Bishop S. John Theodore appointed him to the teaching ministry at the Protestant Regional Seminary in Hyderabad.
As Moderator, Dr. Reuben Mark assumes the highest-ranking position within the Church of South India. His responsibilities include presiding over Synod sessions, representing the church at official functions and ecumenical gatherings, and providing spiritual leadership to the denomination's members.
The role also encompasses promoting unity among dioceses and congregations, advocating for the church's mission and social justice initiatives, and overseeing implementation of Synod decisions.
