Est. 1963
Ecumenical
Christian Centre
“For the Unity of Humankind and Creation”
An institution dedicated to fostering ecumenical fellowship, interfaith harmony, and the peaceful coexistence of people across faiths, cultures, and ideologies.
About Ecumenical
Christian Centre
The Ecumenical Christian Centre (ECC) is a pioneering Christian institution located in Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka. Founded in 1963 by M. A. Thomas, ECC has spent over six decades nurturing ecumenical dialogue, interfaith understanding, and community service.
At its heart, ECC concentrates on social concerns to encourage harmonious living and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, backgrounds, and ideologies. It serves as a space where theological reflection and compassionate action meet.
Spanning a serene 29-acre campus, ECC is home to theological reflection, community outreach, and ecumenical programmes that bring together Christians of all denominations and people of all faiths.
Our Motto
“For the Unity of Humankind”
Ecumenical Fellowship
Bridging denominational divides and creating spaces for meaningful Christian unity across traditions.
Interfaith Dialogue
Fostering respectful conversation and mutual understanding between people of different faiths and ideologies.
Theological Reflection
Offering programmes, including consultations and seminars through ISET, connecting seminaries and scholars across denominations and faiths.
Community Service
Actively serving the local neighbourhood through outreach, education, community engagement, and constitutional literacy.
History of ECC
From a bold ecumenical vision in the 1960s to a thriving centre of faith and community, ECC's story is one of steadfast purpose.
Founded by Rev. Dr M. A. Thomas
The Ecumenical Christian Centre was established in Whitefield, Bengaluru, by Rev. Dr M. A. Thomas, with a founding vision of bringing Christians and people of other traditions together in fellowship and service. The 29-acre campus on the outskirts of Bangalore provided the ideal setting for a centre of reflection and community.
Legal Incorporation
ECC was formally incorporated as a Section 25 Company (non-profit) under the Companies Act 1956 on 25 February 1966, registered with the Registrar of Companies, Karnataka, cementing its legal and institutional foundation.
Balwadi Pre-School Established
Demonstrating a commitment to grassroots community service, ECC established a Balwadi (pre-school) programme in the neighbouring Nallurhalli village, offering early education to children from underserved families — a programme that continues to this day.
Indian School of Ecumenical Theology (ISET)
ISET was founded to provide structured theological education with a distinctly ecumenical focus — exploring the inter-church, inter-religious, and cosmic dimensions of Christian life and mission. It quickly became a leading voice in Indian ecumenical scholarship.
ECC Neighbourhood Interactive Forum (ENIF)
ENIF was founded to deepen ECC's ties with the rapidly growing Whitefield neighbourhood, creating a platform for residents of diverse backgrounds to engage in dialogue, civic participation, and community building.
Campus & Facilities
Nestled in the semi-urban landscape of Whitefield, Bengaluru, the ECC campus is a place of calm and reflection spread across 29 acres (approximately 120,000 m²). The campus is designed to nurture spiritual growth, academic rigour, and community life.
The greenery, open spaces, and thoughtfully designed buildings create an atmosphere conducive to prayer, study, and encounter — a rarity in the fast-growing tech hub that Whitefield has become. Over 90 species of birds have been spotted across the campus, a quiet testament to the biodiversity that flourishes within its carefully preserved grounds.
Chapel & Worship Spaces
A central chapel for worship, prayer, and ecumenical services — open to Christians of all traditions and visitors of goodwill.
ECC Refectory
A communal dining space serving visitors and programme participants with sumptuous meals — where fellowship extends beyond the meeting room to the shared table.
Conference & Retreat Centre
Fully equipped conference halls, classrooms, and seminar rooms, with residential facilities for ecumenical gatherings, workshops, retreats, and educational events throughout the year.
Residential Accommodation
On-campus accommodation for students, scholars, and participants attending programmes, seminars, and retreats.
Open Grounds & Gardens
Expansive green spaces that provide a serene environment for reflection, recreation, and community gatherings across the 29-acre estate.
Balwadi School
The pre-school facility serving approximately 50 children from Nallurhalli village — a living expression of ECC's community mission since 1978.
Programmes at ECC
ECC's programmes span theological reflection, interfaith dialogue, and community service — each rooted in the ecumenical vision of the Centre.
School of Politics
A transformative platform nurturing ethical, value-based political engagement rooted in ecumenical principles. Bringing together emerging leaders, civil society actors, and thinkers to examine governance, policy, and public life through the lens of justice and compassion, with a particular focus on educating the youth. Through dialogues, workshops, and grassroots exposure, the school bridges political theory and the lived realities of marginalised communities.
Inter Religious Fellowship
A vibrant space for meaningful dialogue, mutual respect, and collaborative action among followers of different faith traditions. Regular gatherings, study circles, and shared community initiatives break down stereotypes and build lasting relationships across religious boundaries. Drawing inspiration from ECC's founding vision of promoting unity among all humankind and creation, the fellowship meets at Dialogue House — a name that speaks to this enduring commitment.
ISET
Indian School of Ecumenical Theology
Established in 1988 as a key programme wing of ECC, ISET continues to provide a robust theological foundation for ecumenical engagement in the Indian context. It interprets the whole world as the context for theology, inviting churches and communities to theologise from their lived experiences. Celebrating diversity while addressing the root causes of division through justice, healing, and peace, ISET equips theologians, pastors, and lay leaders to build bridges for a more inclusive and reconciled society.
Social Empowerment
Uplifting the most vulnerable communities through education, health awareness, and grassroots development. The Balwadi community school in Nallurhalli village — serving children of migrant and poor families — exemplifies this commitment by providing foundational learning, life skills, and hygiene education. Medical camps, parent-teacher engagement, and awareness campaigns strengthen entire communities, empowering marginalised individuals to break cycles of poverty and participate fully and with dignity in society.
Leadership & Governance
ECC is guided by an elected executive committee and led by a distinguished Director committed to its ecumenical mission.
Director & Secretary
Very Rev Dr Sham P. Thomas
The present Director, incumbent from January 2022, is an ordained Priest of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church and a Vicar General of the Church. He served as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Communication at the United Theological College, Bangalore, and presently serves as Vice-Master of the Serampore College (University). He was also a James S. Stewart Scholar at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Executive Committee
Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan
Sarasu Esther Thomas
M. O. Geevarghese
Cyril Mar Baselios Metropolitan
Commr. John Kumar Dasari
Noah Vasanthakumar
Publications
ECC contributes to the ecumenical conversation through its scholarly publications.
Theology of our Times
A scholarly journal engaging with contemporary theological questions through an ecumenical lens, drawing contributions from scholars across India and the world.
See all papers →M. A. Thomas Memorial Lectures
Annual lectures in memory of ECC's founder, bringing distinguished voices to reflect on theology, society, and the ecumenical vision he gave his life to.
See all lectures →Other Publications
Occasional papers, reports, and books produced by ECC and its programmes — covering ecumenism, interfaith relations, and community development.
See all publications →