Rev. Dr. G. Vijay Raju: A Visionary Leader in Church Planting and Theological Training
Rev. Dr. G. Vijay Raju began his ministry at the young age of 19 as a Deacon, Evangelist, and Church Planter, dedicating his life to reaching villages and diverse people groups through a mission organization. In 2001, he felt a divine calling to establish Christ Gospel Church Ministries (CGM) with the mission of training, equipping, and establishing churches based on the philosophy and model of the first-century church.
Recognizing the pressing need for structured biblical training and affiliation among thousands of pastors and churches in India, Bishop Vijay Raju founded CGM Ministry to provide sound theological education and develop local leaders. Under his leadership, this initiative evolved into a constitutional church and a biblically grounded denomination, ensuring protection against theological errors and heresies. CGM also serves as a platform for pastors and priests who lack denominational affiliation, offering them structured guidance, membership, and doctrinal integrity.
Ordination and Episcopal Leadership
Rev. Dr. Vijay Raju was ordained as a Priest in 2009 and later consecrated as a Bishop in 2015. In September 2016, he was consecrated as Archbishop, alongside eight Diocesan Bishops, by Metropolitan Steven Vattappara of the Anglican Church of India, based in Kottayam, Kerala. His leadership within the Anglican tradition has played a significant role in strengthening churches and clergy across India.
Role in the Evangelical Episcopal Movement
In 2016, the Late Archbishop Duraisingh James, Metropolitan, invited Archbishop Vijay Raju to be part of the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC) in India. With deep respect for the Archbishop’s leadership, he accepted the Vice Chairman responsibilities within CEEC India.
However, in 2019, a doctrinal division arose within the Communion of Evangelical Episcopal Churches due to differences in canonical interpretation. Metropolitan Duraisingh James chose to remain with the conservative group, while the other faction formed a separate entity known as the Continuing Evangelical Episcopal Churches (CEEC Global). During this transition, Archbishop Robert Gosselin served as Secretary General, and later, Archbishop John Sathiya Kumar was appointed as Bishop Primus in 2019, following the declining health of Archbishop Duraisingh James.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Archbishop Duraisingh James passed away, leaving a significant void in the leadership of CEEC India. His passing marked a crucial moment in the structure of the communion, further necessitating strong, theologically sound leadership for the global movement.
Elevation to CEEC Global Bishop Primus
Archbishop Vijay Raju continued his leadership within the CEEC Global Communion, actively working to uphold biblical orthodoxy and church unity. In September 2023, during the ICOB Synod held in Virginia Beach, VA, he was elected to the International Council of Bishops (ICOB) of CEEC Global. Subsequently, on November 13, 2024, the ICOB Council elected Rev. Dr. Vijay Raju as CEEC Global’s Bishop Primus for a four-year term, recognizing his steadfast commitment to theological integrity and church governance.
Formation of the Council of Reformed Churches of India (CRCI)
Bishop Vijay Raju’s commitment to strengthening independent churches and pastors led to the formation of the Council of Reformed Churches of India (CRCI). This initiative actively works across India to provide membership, theological training, and leadership development for independent pastors and churches. Through CRCI, pastors receive the necessary skills and doctrinal resources to serve their congregations effectively and uphold biblical integrity. Today, CRCI is recognized as part of the Global Anglican Communion, reinforcing its commitment to orthodox Christian teachings and global ecclesiastical unity.
Academic and Theological Credentials
Archbishop Vijay Raju is a highly accomplished academician with a strong foundation in theological and legal studies. His academic credentials include:
- Master of Arts (MA) in Literature
- Master of Law (LLM) – Andhra University
- Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) – Antioch School of Church Planting and Leadership Development
- Doctor of Divinity (D.D) – Anglican Seminary, Virginia
- Ph.D. in Human Rights in Law (Currently pursuing
With over two decades of ministry experience, Archbishop Vijay Raju continues to be a dynamic leader, shaping the theological and ministerial landscape of India and beyond. Through his dedication, Christ Gospel Church Ministries, CEEC Global, and CRCI remain committed to biblical truth, church growth, and the empowerment of Christian leaders across the nation and internationally.