Mumbai, February 13: For the first time since its inception 27 years ago, the Church of North India (CNI), one of the biggest united churches in the world, will appoint a local Maharashtrian reverend to the prestigious episcopal office of the bishop. The consecration of Reverend Baiju Gavit as CNI bishop under the aegis of the Mumbai Diocean Council will take place on Sunday at 4.30 pm at the St Thomas cathedral, Fort.Gavit traces his roots to west Khandesh in Dhule district. The 56-year-old reverend, whose academic qualifications include a master of theology from South East Asia Graduate School, Hanil University, South Korea, will take over from the outgoing bishop, rtd Rev Dr S B Joshua.Gavit stated that he would lay emphasis on `holistic missions'. ``We hope to cater to the entire needs of the community, like adopting new trends in education, medicine, health and social welfare and increasing people's awareness in different aspects of community living, particularly the danger of HIV and coping withAIDS and other diseases.''On the demand for reservations for Dalit Christians, he said, ``If the leader does not take initiative, who else will take care of the needs of the poorest of the poor?''
