Bishop Ezra Sargunam, the celebrated founder of the Evangelical Church of India (ECI), passed away at the age of 86 after battling a prolonged illness. His death marks the end of an era for the Christian community in India, especially in Tamil Nadu, where he was deeply influential.Ezra Sargunam, who was active in both religious and political circles, left an indelible mark on the Christian evangelical movement. He took charge of ECI in its early days, helping the church grow phenomenally. The ECI, which started its first church in 1954, saw significant expansion under his leadership. By 1997, Sargunam had fulfilled his vow to establish 1,000 churchesâthree years ahead of his original goal.
A man of many firsts, Sargunam made headlines when he became the first bishop to ordain a transgender person as a pastor in 2012. He also championed the role of women in the clergy, appointing women as bishops within his churches. His approach to inclusivity set a new standard in the Indian evangelical community.