Our Christian traditions
Get to know the church families represented in KECF and find their congregations here in Dallas–Fort Worth.
What does ecumenical mean?
Ecumenical fellowship brings Christians from different churches into relationship through prayer, conversation and shared service. KECF’s member churches retain their own beliefs, worship and leadership while gathering in a spirit of Christian unity.
The introductions below offer a starting point. For a church’s full teaching and worship practices, explore its own resources or speak with its clergy.
01 · Oriental Orthodox
Also known as the Indian Orthodox Church, this church belongs to the Oriental Orthodox family and traces its roots to the Saint Thomas Christian heritage of Kerala. It is self-governing under its Catholicos. Its church life includes a rich liturgical tradition, theological education and service to the community.
Learn more: World Council of Churches ↗02 · Oriental Orthodox
The Jacobite Syrian Christian tradition in India is part of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, under the Patriarch of Antioch. It shares Kerala’s Saint Thomas Christian heritage and preserves the worship and spiritual traditions of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Its relationship with the Patriarchate distinguishes its church organization from the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
Learn more: Malankara Archdiocese ↗03 · Reformed Syrian tradition
The Mar Thoma Church combines its Eastern Christian inheritance with a reform movement shaped by Scripture in the nineteenth century. Worship, biblical teaching, mission and service are central to its life. It has a longstanding commitment to cooperation with other churches.
Learn more: World Council of Churches ↗04 · Eastern Catholic
The Syro-Malabar Church is an Eastern Catholic church in communion with the Pope. Rooted in Kerala’s Saint Thomas Christian community, it preserves an East Syriac liturgical inheritance. It has its own church leadership and traditions within the wider Catholic communion.
Learn more: Syro-Malabar Church ↗05 · Eastern Catholic
The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church preserves the Malankara tradition within the Catholic communion. Its modern Catholic history includes the movement led by Mar Ivanios into communion with Rome in 1930. It retains its Eastern liturgical and spiritual identity.
Learn more: Syro-Malankara Catholic Church ↗06 · United Protestant church
The Church of South India, or CSI, was inaugurated in 1947 through the union of Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational traditions in South India. It is led by bishops and brings these traditions together in worship, education, mission and social service.
Learn more: World Council of Churches ↗07 · Evangelical and episcopal
Formed in Kerala in 1961 from the Mar Thoma tradition, the St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India emphasizes biblical teaching, sharing the Christian faith and missionary service. Its name is often shortened to STECI.
Learn more: STECI Bangalore Parish ↗Shared community heritage
These congregations share Knanaya heritage while belonging to different church traditions. Each is also listed above under its church affiliation.
Knanaya describes a community heritage within Kerala’s Christianity, rather than one separate denomination. The community preserves a tradition of migration to Kerala led by Thomas of Cana, also called Knai Thoma.
Learn more: Archeparchy of Kottayam ↗A few helpful words