​UCCNY Congratulates Our NY Delegate!  From the desk of the
GSNC - Nominee Notification
Rev. Christopher Ponnuraj
was nominated for election by the General Synod to the General Synod Nominating Committee of 2034!
​


​Rev. Dr. Christopher Ponnuraj D. Min.,BCC.


Rev. Dr. Christopher K. Ponnuraj has been a dedicated member of the United Church of Christ (UCC) family for over 29 years. As of April 2021, he serves as the Minister at West Center Congregational Church UCC in Bronxville, New York. Additionally, he is a Board-Certified Chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains and has been serving as a Chaplain at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, New York, since 2008.

Rev. Chris distinguished career in ministry spans decades, marked by significant contributions to various congregations: From 1994 to 1996 he severed as Associate Pastor of Christhava Tamil Koil UCC, New York. Subsequently, he took on the role of a Pastor at Bethel Tamil Church UCC in Baltimore, Maryland where he developed a new Asian Indian-Tamil Congregation.

For a quarter-century, Rev. Chris ministered to the historical Landmark church located in Bronx NY - Bedford Park Congregational Church, UCC. This church has been a cornerstone of the community since 1889. During his tenure at the Bedford Park Congregational Church, he guided the church in its process of gaining NYC Landmark status; took up a project to renovate the church to its original exterior luster along with a new roof; and installed a new electronic organ.

Rev. Chris is an active member of Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries in UCC (PAAM) and served as Secretary (2006 to 2010), Vice Moderator (2010 to 2012) and Moderator (2012 to 2014). Rev. Chris served as a Board member of Office of General Ministries and Co-Moderator of Council for Racial and Ethnic Minorities - UCC (2010 – 2012). He was one of the leaders who extended his guidance and hard work to host National PAAM Convocation in New York in 2018.

Rev. Chris also spends time providing spiritual guidance, operational support and mentorship to several young leaders and ministers. Prior to his ministry in the United States, Rev. Chris has his foundation in the church ministry as a Sunday school teacher and as a youth leader from Kolar Gold Fields, Bangalore ordained by Church of South India, Karnataka Central Diocese in 1991.

In addition to guidance and mentorship, Rev. Chris has served two terms in the Committee on Ministry (2017 -2023) and served as a member of the Nomination Committee, General Synod (unexpired term 2025). Currently he serves as a member of the Spiritual and Professional Development Committee and Nomination Committee of the Metropolitan Association, NY Conference. Chris represents the NY Conference as a Synod Delegate (2023 and 2025).

In his free time, Rev. Chris plays violin and enjoys rooting for the NY sports teams (Knicks and Yankees). Rev. Chris is married to Mrs. Vatsala C. Ponnuraj for 46 years and is blessed with one son Mr. Youngren Ponnuraj.