Pastor Susil Ranjith at the media briefing in Colombo 

Pic Courtesy: ADC Media Division

The Apostolic Diocese of Ceylon (ADC), congratulated the newly elected National People’s Power (NPP) government at a media conference held recently in Colombo. 

The ADC, which tittled itself as a collection of free and independent churches, expressed its continued support for the Government and underscored the deep connections between the vision of the church and the government to usher in a better Sri Lanka. National Overseers, Pastor Anjana Costa, Pastor Upul Janaka and Pastor V. Manogaran Rajah were also present at the event representing the ADC.

“Why are we congratulating them now?” Pastor Susil Ranjith the media spokesman for the ADC asked. “We’ve been supporting and listening to them for a long time. We have stood behind them and contributed significantly to their success, although many are not aware of our efforts. We are grateful for the opportunity to extend our congratulations today,” Pastor Ranjith said.

The  ADC, which episcopates nearly 700 churches across all districts has been a key denomination which continues to serve the public for 25 years. With an office of dedicated staff, a Bible College providing education to approximately 400 students, and departments dedicated to legal services, pastoral care, development, and media, the Diocese has made significant progress to become one of the most prominent Christian denominations in the country.

In his remarks Pastor Ranjith highlighted the similarities between the struggles faced by the ADC and the NPP over the years. He mentioned that, both have been the subject of criticism and accusations. “The NPP has faced numerous lies and criticism”” he further explained. “They’ve been labeled as the the‘3% group,’criticised for lack of experience and moving away from traditional politics and even often referred to as a dangerous group”.

Drawing a parallel to the challenges the NPP has faced, Pastor Ranjith added, The ADC also has faced similar criticisms that its pastors lack experience and that the church’s work deviates from traditional practices.
“We are working towards a country free of corruption, violence, and sin. Our motto is ‘Serving Reconciliation,”Pastor Ranjith said. 

“We hold no religious or racial biases. We have been actively involved in charity for many years. We have assisted during disasters providing food, medicine and other forms of aid to people in need regardless of their religious beliefs.”

Pastor Ranjith also mentioned the accusations the ADC faces regarding religious conversions. “We have often faced accusations that we are trying to convert people to our religion.” He denied the accusations by saying, “That is a lie. We do not force anyone to convert. We focus on improving people’s lives and enrich the lives of the poor through the word of Christ.”

Positive attitude

Having a positive attitude about the future, Pastor Ranjith also spoke of the ADC’s expectations from the government. He expressed his disappointment with previous administrations which often view the church as little more than a source of votes. However, according to Pastor Ranjith the ADC’s recent interaction with Minister Vijitha Herath has turned out to be a promising one. “Minister welcomed us warmly. He assured us that he would take steps to register free and independent churches in the country.”Pastor Ranjith said. “We are really happy to hear that this registration process is progressing successfully, and we are proud that the ADC has been able to pioneer the registration of free churches alongside the government.”

Pastor Ranjith assured ADC’s unwavering support for the new Government. “We assure the government that we will never ask our people to act against the government. We will not do anything that will make the government uncomfortable. We are committed to helping the government in any way we can, and we will always extend our hands to support it.”