The Diocese of Chingleput was declared as an independent new Diocese on 19th July 2002. Most Rev. Dr. A. Neethinathan was appointed as the first Bishop of Chingleput. The Diocese of Chinglput comprises of the entire civil districts of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and some part of the district of Chennai. It has 107 parishes and three Independent Shrines. 80% of parishes are in the rural areas. 146 diocesan priests, 70 religious priests and 72 religious congregations serve in the diocese