Father Bishop 

Father Bishop Dr.Ezra Sargunam is an influential leader in the Christian community. Born in a village called Pannavillai in Tuticorin District at 1938, he pursued theological studies and earned a doctorate in theology. His heart towards planting churches in the nook and corner of India made the gospel reach the masses. His aim was to plant 1000 churches before A.D 2000. Till 1972 there were only 30 churches in the ECI, but after 1972 churches began to grow rapidly under his dynamic, persuasive, caring, loving and shepherding leadership. On his 84th birthday celebrations in Kilpauk, a couple of years back, he was credited for founding 10,000 churches. ECI had wished him to reach the one lakh mark soon. He has also written extensively on socio-cultural issues, theology and church. His efforts to fight caste-based discrimination have been widely recognized.