Professor Muthyala Theophilus, B.D. (1897–1946)

His boldness and courage of conviction is seen in his passionate belief and advocacy for bringing about unity among believers in Christ The division in the universal Church into Catholicism and Protestantism; which had its origin in Europe during the 15* century is a feature of western Christianity and it naturally found its place in mis country as introduced by those who planted the churches here. This difference is against the natural ethos of the native Christians in the country and Theophilus is no exception to tins. There have been many valuable traditions in the ecumenical movement in this country and within the framework of tile ecumenical movement, Theophilus made distinct contributions through his creative initiatives in strengthening the movement by advocating interdenominational fraternity. According to him the "Church should afford universal fellowship of believers. The two-fold nature of the Church is fellowship with God and fellowship among men. In affording universal brotherhood of believers, the Church helps to establish the Kingdom of God. For establishing such universal brotherhood church-union is imperative." However, in this, Theophilus was too far ahead of his time and he found it difficult to swing the Baptist churches and its believers substantially and diecisively on the issue. The lives and ministries of persons like Theophilus will be a witness for God to people who care to study it as well as to those who know Theophilus personally well. He was a great influence on those in tile church and community of his time. He was a man of deep Christian conviction and commitment. He was a dedicated servant of God, who humbly, yet proudly, would call himself, along with others like him "labourers together with God.” Rev. A.B. Masilamani an internationally known Bible Preacher who was student of Prof. Theophilus at Kakinada Bible Seminary testified that next to the Lord Jesus Christ, Prof. Theophilus who was his spiritual father highly influenced him in the transformation of his life. He further declared that he learnt many sermon skills by sitting by his feet. His discipline, national way of dressing (Lalchi and Dhoti) and his beautiful handwriting immensely influenced him. Rajiv Theophilus Muthyala the Elder of UECF is the proud grandson of Prof. Muthyala Theophilus.