Church of North-India - Synodical Board of Social Services (CNI-SBSS)

The CNI-SBSS is the development and justice wing of the Church. SBSS came into being as soon as the Church was inaugurated in 1970. It was conceived as an expression of Churches’ concern for the poor and issues related to Justice and Human Rights. The first few years, the Board catered to the needs of people through different social service institutions within its fold. At the historical Calcutta Consultation in 1978, the SBSS received a mandate from the Church and evolved its Vision and Mission priorities. (Therefore we date our existence from 1978 ) 

The mission and vision values of SBSS stand for the vision of CNI:
“The Church of North India as a United and Uniting together is committed to announce the Good news of the reign of God inaugurated through death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in proclamation and to demonstrate in actions to restore the integrity of God’s Creation through continuous struggle against the demonic powers by breaking down the barriers of caste, class, gender, economic inequality and exploitation of the nature”

It also gave a mandate to promote the process of socio-economic transformations for the human and national development at local level in the spirit of service, sacrifice and love demonstrated by Christ in his own life. The initial approach of SBSS was dominantly operated within the realm of ‘charity and relief’ or western - modeled – institutionalized - development. Subsequently it shifted to community based approach. But still the approach was welfare centered. A consultation in 1988 helped SBSS to take shift from social welfare to social action. This process led to another method of development to engage people in the planning process. The first phase of the planning process emerged in 1992. It aimed at strengthening the capacity of the communities. In 1996, during the second phase of People’s planning process, the significant change was to join in solidarity with the people in their struggle towards asserting their own rights.

The subsequent phase spanning four years (2001-2004) integrated an empowerment model with rights-based approach. The major activities of this phase were socio-economic development, women’s empowerment and organization of communities on gender issues. In this endeavor SBSS engaged with more than 2, 500 communities in 24 dioceses, worked with people’s organizations, took up the struggle and demanded their rights and entitlements. Struggles related to land rights in Marathwada, Kolhapur and Nagpur have achieved encouraging success. During this phase our journey with women’s groups culminated in formation of federations of women’s organizations and larger participation of women in the political process through community based advocacy measures.

This eventful history of SBSS has brought a modest change in the life of the people. But the life of the poor largely in India remains the same; ironically the government is busy reducing the percentage of poverty only in documents.

Our Mission
“In the spirit of service and sacrifice of Christ, CNI-BSS would like to accompany DBSS and its partners to engage with the reference communities, so that they will develop the capacity (skills and assets) to negotiate with the policy makers, realize their rights and emerge as an alternative political force. To move towards this direction, communities should be sensitized socially, politically, economically and culturally and organized to claim their rights over livelihood means and while protecting their identity.”

Our Vision
“Where there is justice in land, the fields and forest and every living being will dance and sing."

SBSS Core Values

• Participation

• Cooperation/ Sharing

• Transparency

• Accountability 

• Trust

• Commitment
  

Copyright ©2006 CNI SBSS, CNI Bhawan, 16, Pandit Pant Marg, New Delhi – 110001
Tel.: 091-11-23718168/23351727 Fax: 091-11-23712126,
E-mail: cnisbss@nda.vsnl.net.in. Website: www.cnisbss.org