Synopsis This two volume study constitutes the most comprehensive account of the formation of the Christian Clergy in India. The result of detailed research by a team of social scientists spread over many years, it has a number of unique features. The study presents, for the first time, a third world perspective; it is based on in-depth empirical data drawn from a broad range of sources including first-hand interviews; and it provides a comparative and critical analysis. Part I of the first volume begins with an overview of Christianity in India and goes on to examine various aspects of the Christian Clergy. This includes demographic profile, family background, social status, occupational careers, women in the church, and colleges and congregations. Part II goes on to consider the social roles which members of the clergy are expected to fulfil. The aspects covered include training, motivation, commitment, role images, preferences and performance, and relations with the wider community. The authors end with providing fresh insight into the value orientations of the Christian Clergy in contemporary India, in the context of the crucial issues of secularism, communalism and fundamentalism. Rectifying erroneous interpretations of history and setting the record straight about a much misunderstood community, this two volume study will be of particular interest to Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic seminaries, church authorities and training institutes, and departments of religious studies. It will be of equal interest to those studying the sociology of religion and professions. Additionally, this study will greatly assist the layman to understand how a minority faith funtions in the context of religious pluralism.