Our History
Rooted in Scripture, Reformed in faith, Anglican in heritage
Apostolic Roots & Ancient Faith
The Council of Reformed Churches of India is deeply rooted in the faith, worship, and practices of the Apostles' doctrine and the Holy tradition of the Ancient church. We hold the Bible in high regard as the inspired and infallible Word of God, bestowed upon us by the Holy Church, which is described as the "pillar and buttress of Truth" (1 Timothy 3:15).
Our creeds, including the Reformed Westminster Confession, the Apostles' Creed, and the Nicene Creed, are essential to our beliefs, and we firmly adhere to them.
We maintain that the Holy Church has remained uninterrupted by following the doctrines of the Apostles, the Holy Tradition, and the teachings of the Orthodox Fathers, as preserved in the ancient creeds.
Reformed · Anglican · India
Council of Reformed Churches of India
Reformed Anglican subscribes to the Thirty-Nine Articles and is committed to understanding them as originally intended in 1553. This understanding of the faith is essentially the same as believed by other Reformed churches throughout Europe at that time — taught from a strictly Anglican perspective in full agreement with the 39 Articles and the Five Solas of the Reformation.
Sola Scriptura
Scripture Alone
Sola Fide
By Faith Alone
Sola Gratia
By Grace Alone
Solus Christus
Through Christ Alone
Soli Deo Gloria
To the Glory of God Alone
The Story of CRCI
Early Ministry
Church planting begins
Rev. Dr. G. Vijay Raju began ministry at age 19 as a Deacon, Evangelist, and Church Planter, reaching villages and diverse people groups across India.
2001
Christ Gospel Church Ministries
CGM was established to train, equip, and establish churches based on the model of the first-century church — providing sound theological education for pastors lacking denominational affiliation.
2009
Priestly ordination
Rev. Dr. Vijay Raju was ordained to the priesthood, deepening his sacramental and pastoral ministry.
2014
CRCI Diocese established
The Council of Reformed Churches of India was formally established as a diocese to unite independent churches in the Reformed Evangelical Anglican tradition.
2015
Episcopal consecration
Consecrated as Bishop, strengthening Anglican polity and oversight across the growing communion.
September 2016
Archbishop consecration — Visakhapatnam
Metropolitan Steven Vattappara of the Anglican Church of India consecrated Dr. Vijay Raju as Archbishop alongside seven Diocesan Bishops, 58 Priests, and 18 Deacons in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Today
A growing communion
CRCI spans 70 Presbyteries across Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh — with 7 Bishops, 2 Bishop-Elects, and 2,100+ churches united in Scripture, sacrament, and mission.
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.
CRCI is recognized under the Constitution and the Christian Marriage Acts of 1872, holding legal status as a recognized Church in India.
Meet Our Archbishop2,100+
Churches
70
Presbyteries
5
Indian States
7
Diocesan Bishops
Vision
To train 10,000 priests in ten years in the Anglican tradition and plant churches in remote places across India.
The CRCI does these things because they are consistent with the law of God and the grace which God has shown to his chosen people. By means of this grace, Reformed people understand and repent of their sin, love the Word of God, preach the Gospel to the lost, feed the poor, pray in faith for those who suffer, and confidently wait for the consummation of this world in the Lord's return for judgment.