Replies submitted by Chairman and Secretary of the General Conference, Mennonite Mission in India, Saraipali, Raipur district

1. Reply to Questionnaire on Christian Missionaries Activities:-
 

As Christians we do not recognize caste.

5. It is our position and belief that people accept Christ individually.  Many times this is just one individual of a family, but it may also be more than one member of a family.

7. The emoluments of Pracharaks are quite low.  No rewards are offered or given for successful work.

8. We repudiate the methods cited.  We do not advance loans as baits, nor promise free education nor medical help nor employment. We feel it is unfair to insinuate the use of fraudulent and unfair means as in (m).  We extol Christ and His teachings.

10. All conversions are the result of religious conviction, unless we have been deceived.

11. No, on the contrary it increases national loyalty and outlook.  Christians respond to Government efforts to vaccinate, many of them know and sing the national anthem while neighbouring non-Christians do not.  We constantly urge the support of government.  The Bible says, �Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God.� �Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.�  �I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, in cessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.�

12. Our purpose is to make Christ known.  Jesus said, �Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.� If a person is converted, it is his own decision, reached through inner convictions.

13. At the time of Christ people were offended in Him, His teachings, preaching and His works.  Today likewise.

15. As a rule the Pracharaks are respected.  They are usually local people.

16. Some Pracharaks are middle school pass, some less, some High School.  They do not get any rewards.

17. None are sent to foreign countries for training.

19. The Bible, the New Testament, portions of the Bible and other literature based on these.

20. We do not propagandize, but give information.

21. None at all.

23. They pray for the Central and State Governments in India and constantly urge people to uphold and support the local, provincial and central Governments.

24. In a number of places Christians have been reconverted.  It is reported that in some villages efforts are being made to get Christians to sign statements by minor Government officials concerning their religious position.  This intimidates some people.

25. Communal feelings have been more noticeable since the Inquiry Commission came.  Before that relations were most cordial.

26. This is against our Christian beliefs and principles.

27. We know of none.

29. Not in politics nor in communal relations, but in medical and educational work.

32. People were formerly very poor, but are slowly raising their economic status.

33. Yes.

34. No.

36. We welcome National Reconstruction efforts.

37. Christians and missionaries have been encouraged to give and take part.

39. Missionaries are members of the church, subject to church discipline.  Fellowship with Christian and non-Christians in their homes, such as attendance at and they are received into the homes of missionaries.

40. The Christian community is not hostile to Indian traditions and the best of national culture, and remains Indian and not foreign in its affinity.

41. Some social customs are kept when they are not contrary to the Christian faith.

43. The General Conference Mennonite Mission has been working in this area since 1901.  The Roman Catholics and an independent missionary are also working in this area.

44. In December 1947, there were 34 missionaries in India.  In December 1954, there are 30.

46. The foreign Missionaries are of Canadian and American nationality.

47. Except for specialised work the standard for qualification for Missionaries is a B.A. degree or its equivalent.  The salary received by missionaries in India is less than they received before entering missionary service and is less than they would be receiving if they were working in the homeland.

48. None.

51. By voluntary contributions from members of sister churches overseas.

52. Accounts are audited by a selected committee.

57. (a) Christ said we should preach and teach.  We do not consider this propaganda, but give information.
(b) Schools and hospitals.
(c) Extension work in village uplift through the schools, and public health work through the hospitals.

63. We observe comity of missions.  There are some groups in this area which do not.

65. No.

67. No. Missionaries must sign a pledge to keep out of politics.

68. No, there is no connection.

69. There are two General and one Leprosy Hospital.

70. Admission is open to all, regardless of economic, religious, or social status.

71. No. Inducements are not offered.

72. No, patients are not obliged to take part.

74. Pay is much less than government scale in many grades of service.

76. No.

78. 16 Primary, 3 Middle and 1 High School.

81. It has happened, but no minor has been baptized.

82. We know of no such cases.

83. We follow government scale.  Freeships are not offered as an inducement for changing religion.

84. The conscience clause is followed.

88. We follow gazetted holidays.

89. Yes, with great enthusiasm.  Programmes, parades, flag raising, public welfare projects.

91. Yes, to all three sections of the question.

92. Attendance is not compulsory.

98. Yes, on a basis of mutual respect and co-operation.