Methodist Church in India Announces New Leadership, Disputes Former Bishop’s Claims

Bengaluru, India – 28th, february, 2025  – The Methodist Church in India (MCI) today announced the appointment of Bishop Dr. Anilkumar John Servand as the sole legally appointed Resident and Presiding Bishop of the Bangalore Regional Conference, effective February 1, 2025. This decision, formalized through an Executive Council resolution on January 31, 2025, marks a significant leadership transition within the church.

Bishop Servand, who also serves as the Master (Chancellor) of the Senate of Serampore College, Chief Acharya of Sattal Christian Ashram, Chairman of the Council of Medical Work – MCI, Chairman of the Council of Women’s Work – MCI, and a Central Committee Member of the World Council of Churches (WCC), will assume his new role amidst ongoing legal disputes involving his predecessor, Bishop N.L. Karkare.
The MCI has clarified that Bishop Karkare, who continued in office beyond the age of superannuation (70), no longer holds any official position, title, or authority within the Bangalore Regional Conference. The church has denounced any claims suggesting otherwise as “false and misleading.”
“Bishop Karkare’s tenure has concluded, and any actions or representations made by him are not recognized by the Methodist Church in India,” stated Rev. David Nathaniel, Executive Secretary – Regional Executive Board, Bangalore Regional Conference, at a press conference held at the Press Club of Bengaluru.
The dispute has involved legal challenges, including a stay order obtained by Bishop Karkare from the Registrar of Societies, which was subsequently overturned by the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka. His plea for ad interim bail was also rejected by the Mumbai City Civil Court.
The MCI has issued a strong caution against engaging with Bishop Karkare in any official or financial matters, stating that the church will not bear responsibility for his actions. “Any individual or institution dealing with him does so at their own risk,” Rev. Nathaniel emphasized.

The church has also addressed potential attempts to involve external parties, including political leaders and civic bodies, urging them to respect the internal governance of the church. “This is an internal governance issue, guided by our bylaws and the Book of Discipline,” Rev. Nathaniel explained. “We trust that external entities will acknowledge and respect our self-governing nature.”
The Methodist Church in India reiterated that all conference-related matters should be directed to the duly appointed leadership. This declaration is