Mar Thoma Midwest Regional Activity Committee, Inc
Serving the Midwest Region –
Engaging in Mission & Ministry
Principal Office:
Registered Office:
The Chicago Mar Thoma Church
Contact: secretarymidwestrac@gmail.com
Board of Directors
The initial Board of Directors consists of seven members serving in alignment with the Diocesan Assembly term. The majority of Board members are also members of the Diocesan Council.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos
President / Diocesan Bishop
Merrick, NY
Rev. Joel Samuel Thomas
Diocesan Secretary
Merrick, NY
Mr. Shaju Sam
Diocesan Treasurer
Merrick, NY
Rev. Jaisen A Thomas
Vice President
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church of Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Joe Mathew George
Secretary
Registered Agent,
Chicago Mar Thoma Church, Illinois
Mr. Vinod Thomas
Treasurer
Detroit Mar Thoma Church, Michigan
Overview & Objectives of the Midwest RAC
The Midwest Regional Activity Committee (Midwest RAC) was established in 2025 as a duly approved subcommittee of the Diocesan Assembly in the Midwest Region of the Diocese of North America of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. The Committee was formed under the provisions of the Sabha Constitution to serve the regional ministry needs of the Mar Thoma Church and is registered in the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit corporation under the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986 (805 ILCS 105).
The Midwest RAC serves as a regional hub for Mar Thoma parishes and congregations across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri, promoting unity, fellowship, and collaborative ministry among member parishes. Working in close partnership with the Diocesan Council and the diocesan leadership, the Midwest RAC provides a platform for communication, coordination, and the advancement of the Church’s mission throughout the region.
The Midwest RAC organizes regional conferences, family enrichment programs, youth and young adult gatherings, leadership development initiatives, spiritual retreats, and inter-parish activities that strengthen relationships and encourage the spiritual growth of members of all ages. Through these ministries, the Committee seeks to foster a vibrant Mar Thoma community while equipping parishes to faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and serve their local communities.
The Midwest RAC is organized exclusively for religious and charitable purposes, including supporting mission and outreach initiatives, promoting Christian education, facilitating leadership development, providing assistance during times of need and disaster relief, and encouraging socio-economic and community development efforts. It also seeks to strengthen the identity and faith of Mar Thoma Christians in the Midwest by preserving their ecclesiastical heritage while nurturing future generations and advancing the mission of the Church in North America.
Initiate activities that enrich the lives of members and provide ecumenical
fellowship with other churches sharing similar faith and practices.
Member Parishes & Congregations
The Midwest Region consists of five parishes and three congregations across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee.
St. John’s Mar Thoma Church
Michigan
St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church
Indianapolis
Mar Thoma Church of St. Louis
Missouri
Minneapolis Mar Thoma Congregation
Minnesota
Mar Thoma Congregation, Champaign
Illinois
Important Links
Our History
The Mar Thoma Church
The Mar Thoma Syrian Church traces its origins to the apostolic mission of St. Thomas the Apostle in A.D. 52 in Kerala, India, with headquarters in Thiruvalla, Kerala, India. As one of the ancient apostolic churches, the Mar Thoma Church has preserved its unique liturgical traditions while embracing evangelical and reformed principles. The church’s reformation in the 19th century led to a renewal movement that maintained apostolic succession and liturgical worship while emphasizing personal faith, biblical authority, and social responsibility.
Today, the Mar Thoma Church serves millions of faithful worldwide, combining ancient Eastern Orthodox liturgical traditions with Protestant evangelical theology. The church is known for its emphasis on social justice, education, and medical missions, particularly in India where it operates numerous schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions.
The Diocese of North America
The Diocese of North America represents the administrative and spiritual structure of the Mar Thoma Church across the United States and Canada. The Diocese is a religious corporation registered under Section 10 of the New York Religious Corporations Law and is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Under the guidance of the Diocesan Bishop and the Diocesan Council, the Diocese oversees the spiritual welfare of congregations, facilitates programs and ministries, and maintains the connection between local parishes and the global Mar Thoma Church. The Diocesan Council comprises clergy and lay representatives who work together to address the pastoral, administrative, and developmental needs of parishes within the Diocese.