INTRODUCTION

Definition The term identity is used throughout the social science to describe a persons conception and expression of their individual self or group afflictions. Simply it refers to the self of the individual or group. A formal organization is a group deliberately constructed to achieve specific objectives through explicitly defined roles and specified rules. This self awareness and self reflection of a group that unites its members is known as social identity or collective identity. Its formation is a historical process and it is constructed within discourse. It is produced in specific historical and institutional sites within specific discursive formations and practices, by specific enunciative strategies. This collective identity is subject to a radical historisation and are constantly in the process of revision and change.

Problem As a formal and religious organization, the Church defined its identity by determining its way of administration, hierarchy, ministerial orders, constitution, worship patterns, liturgies, domestic and canonical rituals, faith affirmations, scripture and traditions, criteria of membership, relationship to other faith communities and to other Churches, missionary motives etc. It was formed through the centuries. However, there are different notions about the identity of the Mar Thoma Church among the clergy and the laity itself. Sometimes, this reformed identity is questioned by the congregational Churches, Dalit and feminist movements. An important fact is

2 that it cannot be classified in traditional ecclesiastical categories. Hence the identity of the Mar Thoma Church is subjected to research and studies. Scope The scope of this study is to enquire the relevance and meaning of the reformation in the present context of the Mar Thoma Church. It explores how far the spirit of the reformation can be an impetus for the members of the Church to participate in the social life of contemporary world with a vision and mission.

Methodology The study follows analytical, critical and historical methods to trace the facts and intentions of the Reformation process and to explore its interpretations and debates related to the K. N. Daniel Case. The materials for the study are from the literary sources such as books, articles, biographies and official documents published in both English and Malayalam. The first chapter discuses the factors that influenced the identity formation of the Mar Thoma Church. It is an attempt to trace the central and ecclesiastical background of the Malabar. The second chapter analyses the reformation history of the Malabar Church from its indigenous beginning to the establishment of the Mar Thoma Church. It mainly focused the progressive phases in the identity formation of the Mar Thoma Church. The third chapter is an analytical study of K. N. Daniel case as it emerged as a debate, about the identity of the Mar Thoma Church as a reformed one.

3 The fourth chapter is a socio historical analysis of the present identity of the Mar Thoma Church in relation with its contemporary ecclesiastical and social relationships.