First Woman Bishop of Tamil Nadu | First Vice President - ECI

Life and Education

Bishop Kathiroli Manickam was born in Chennai into a devout Christian family as the daughter of Bishop Ezra Sargunam and the late Mrs. Mangalam Ezra. Raised in a spiritually rich environment, she developed a deep love for the Scriptures and a strong commitment to prayer from an early age.

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She completed her education at:

• Bains School – Schooling

• Stella Maris College – B.A. in English Literature

• Annamalai University – B.Ed.

• Madras University – M.A. in Christian Studies

• Hindustan Bible Institute – M.A. in Biblical Studies

• Hindustan Bible Institute – Honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.), August 2023

Bishop Kathiroli is married to Mr. Manickam, a Christian businessman. They are

blessed with two daughters, Swati and Sruti.

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Ministry and Leadership

Bishop Kathiroli Manickam began her career in 2002 as an English Lecturer at Madras

Theological Seminary and College (MTSC) before becoming the Director of External

Studies at MTSC.She was ordained in 2010 by the Evangelical Church of India (ECI).
In 2021, she was consecrated as the Bishop of ECI Chennai Diocese, making her the

First woman Bishop in Tamil Nadu. She also serves as the First Vice President of ECI

and has been the Chairperson of Lydia Women’s Fellowship since 2009.

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Vision and Achievements

Under her visionary leadership, the ECI Chennai Diocese has experienced significant spiritual, social, and structural growth. Her key contributions include:

Women’s Empowerment & Social Welfare

• Launched multiple initiatives focused on uplifting and equipping women.

• Founder of Annai Mangalam Tailoring Schools, providing vocational training for women’s economic stability.

• Founder of Young Lydias, a movement to mentor and prepare young women for ministry and leadership.

Church Growth & Evangelism

• Strengthened and expanded church planting efforts.

• Implemented ECI Chennai Diocese Vision 2025, a roadmap for holistic church and community development.

• Actively contributes to ECI’s Centenary Vision of planting one lakh churches across India.

 

Legacy and Impact

A pioneering leader and an inspiring voice in ministry, Bishop Kathiroli Manickam continues to lead with unwavering faith, compassion, and commitment. Her life’s mission is to empower the next generation to serve God and society with courage, integrity, and passion.