About TELC

The **Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (TELC)** is one of the oldest and most historic Protestant churches in India — a vibrant community of faith, service, and education among Tamil-speaking people.

Today, the TELC extends its mission across four states — **Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, and Kerala** — serving thousands through worship, education, and compassion.

“Founded in Faith. Built on Service. Sustained by Grace.”

Our Heritage

The TELC traces its beginnings to **Rev. Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg**, the first Lutheran missionary to India, who arrived at Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) in **1706**. His life’s work transformed the spiritual and social landscape of South India:

• Printed the **first Tamil Bible in 1713**
• Built the **first Lutheran Chapel in 1707**
• Dedicated the **New Jerusalem Church in 1718**

Formally registered as a Religious Society in **1919**, the Church continues to uphold the mission of Christ through faith and service to the marginalized.

The Tranquebar Mission – Where It All Began

The TELC’s story begins with a royal vision from **King Frederick IV of Denmark**, who sent two young missionaries — **Rev. Bartholomäus Ziegenbalg** and **Rev. Heinrich Plütschau** — as “Royal Danish Missionaries” to Tranquebar in 1706.

Despite facing opposition and hardships, they focused on learning Tamil, engaging with local culture, and sharing the love of Christ. Their mission became the first organized Protestant outreach in India, shaping the course of Christian history in the country.

The Scholar Missionary – Ziegenbalg’s Legacy

Ziegenbalg’s commitment to understanding Tamil life and language was extraordinary. He learned Tamil by writing in sand alongside schoolchildren and soon began teaching others.

• **1714:** Printed the **first Tamil New Testament** in Tranquebar — a landmark in world mission history.
• **1716:** Founded one of India’s earliest **seminaries** to train pastors and catechists.
• **1718:** Built and dedicated the **New Jerusalem Church**, where he now rests.

“The Word of God in the language of the people — that was his dream, and his gift.”

The New Jerusalem Church

Standing in the coastal town of Tranquebar, the **New Jerusalem Church** remains a sacred symbol of the birth of Indian Protestant Christianity. Here, history and faith converge:

• Venue of **ordinations, synods, and youth conferences**
• Host of the historic **Tranquebar Conference (1919)** — which became the first step toward forming the Church of South India (CSI)

It is not merely a building, but a testimony to enduring faith and cross-cultural mission.

Firsts in Indian Christian History

The pioneers of the Tranquebar Mission introduced many “firsts” that transformed both Church and society:

• First **Tamil Bible** – 1713
• First **Tamil School for Girls** – 1707
• First **Seminary for Indian Pastors** – 1716
• First **Indian Lutheran Pastor Ordained** – Rev. Aaron, 1733
• First **Tamil Hymn Book and Catechism Translations**

Their legacy of education and empowerment continues to inspire the Church’s mission today.

TELC Today

With over **2 lakh members, 126 pastorates, and 600+ worship centers**, the TELC remains a strong faith community. Beyond its spiritual mission, TELC serves society through:

• **182** Government-Aided Schools
• **1** Arts & Science College
• **5** Hospitals
• **17** Homes for Children and the Elderly

“Education, healing, and compassion — the heart of our ministry.”

Presidents & Bishops of Tranquebar

Since its founding, TELC has been guided by dedicated spiritual leaders. The following is a list of the esteemed Presidents of TELC, who hold the title of **Bishop of Tranquebar**.

• I Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. Ernst Heuman** 1921-1926 [Late]
• II Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. David Bexell** 1927-1934 [Late]
• III Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. Johannes Sandegren** 1934-1956 [Late]
• IV Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. Rajah Bushanam Manikam** 1956-1967 [Late]
• V Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Carl Gustav Diehl** 1967-1972 [Late]
• VI Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. A. John Satyanadhan** 1972-1975 [Late]
• VII Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Lasarus Easter Raj** 1975-1978 [Late]
• VIII Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. Jayseelan Jacob** 1978-1993 [Late]
• IX Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. Jubilee Gnanabaranam Johnson** 1993-1999 [Late]
• X Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. Thaveedu Aruldoss** 1999-2009
• XI Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. H.A. Martin** 2009
• XII Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. S. Edwin Jayakumar** 2013
• XIII Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. D. Daniel Jayaraj** 2019
• XIV Bishop of Tranquebar **Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Christian Samraj** 2023

Pastorates of T.E.L.C.

The Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church serves the community through numerous **Pastorates** organized into geographical districts across its region.

Institutions of T.E.L.C.

TELC operates a vast network of educational and service institutions dedicated to holistic community development across different regions.

A Living Legacy

From a small coastal town in 1706 to a Church spanning four states today, the Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church stands as a testimony to **God’s grace and human dedication**.

Through worship, service, and outreach, the TELC continues to share the light of Christ and uplift communities — faithfully carrying forward the vision of its founders.

“Faith that spoke in Tamil, still speaks to the heart of India.”