Bishop President - ECI

About Bishop Stephen E. Daniel

Bishop Stephen E. Daniel serves as the President Bishop of the Evangelical Church of India (ECI), providing visionary leadership rooted in prayer, integrity, and mission-focused commitment. Born in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) into a devout Christian family, he represents the sixth generation of believers who have faithfully walked with Christ since their forefathers embraced the Gospel through Baptist missionaries in 1888.

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Early Life & Calling

Shaped by family devotion, church discipline, and strong Christian values, Bishop

Stephen committed his life to Christ at the age of 14 through holy baptism. His teenage

years brought personal challenges and deep family struggles, especially after the

sudden passing of his father. Through the sacrificial prayers and perseverance of his mother,

he grew in faith and discovered God’s clear calling into full-time ministry.

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Ministry Journey

Guided by senior spiritual leaders, Bishop Stephen entered theological training and

began serving in the Nilgiris region, where several early ECI ministries were established.

He partnered with pioneering missionaries and later carried forward their mission work

with steadfast dedication.

Despite years of severe opposition, legal battles, and a decade-long struggle to build

churches, God strengthened him through prayer and Scripture—especially the

books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Haggai. By God’s grace, two churches were ultimately completed and dedicated, becoming strong centers of worship and evangelism.

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Leadership & Mission Expansion

Over the years, Bishop Stephen’s responsibilities expanded significantly:

• Area Director – Nilgiris

• Diocesan Commissioner – Coimbatore & Nilgiris

• Key leader in forming the Coimbatore–Nilgiris Diocese

• Diocesan Bishop – Kolkata, overseeing six states and multiple mission fields

• Played a crucial role in establishing the Mission Headquarters (City of Refuge) in Tripura

• Instrumental in church planting among tribal communities, including the Mog Buddhist tribe, where a former monk became a missionary and helped establish new congregations

His ministry has consistently focused on prayer, evangelism, leadership development, and missions reaching unreached people groups.

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Consecration & Current Role

In April 2024, Bishop Stephen E. Daniel was consecrated as Missionary Bishop by Most Rev. David Onesimu. Through God’s sovereign leading and the united prayers of the church, he now serves as the President Bishop of ECI.

He continues to guide the church with humility, spiritual depth, and a strong passion for advancing the Gospel across India.

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Legacy & Vision

Bishop Stephen is known for his unwavering faith, compassion for God’s people, and commitment to building the Church through prayer and mission. His vision is to strengthen the church spiritually, expand evangelistic efforts, and raise up the next generation of leaders across the nation.

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