The Church of North India made history on 10 June 2025, when it consecrated the Rt Revd Neena Charan as Bishop of the CNI Bhopal Diocese, making her the third woman to hold episcopal office in the denomination.
The Most Revd B. K. Nayak, Moderator of the Church of North India, led the consecration ceremony at the CNI Bhavan Chapel in New Delhi. The Rt Revd Silvan Christian, Bishop of Gujarat Diocese, celebrated the Holy Communion, while the Rt Revd Francis Hansda, Bishop of Patna Diocese, delivered the sermon.
The Rt Revd Manoj Charan, Acting Deputy Moderator of the CNI Synod and Bishop Neena Charan’s husband, offered the vote of thanks. The Revd Dr D. J. Ajith Kumar, General Secretary of the CNI Synod, and Mr Subrata Gorai, Treasurer of the CNI Synod, also attended the ceremony.
Bishop Charan has served the church for over 12 years in pastoral roles. After completing her undergraduate studies at Government Girls’ College, she earned her Bachelor of Divinity at Satyaniketan Theological College, Allahabad, in 2003. The church ordained her in 2013 in the Bhopal Diocese, where she has worked in various pastoral positions. She currently leads Masih Mandir Church, Bhopal, as Presbyter-in-Charge. Her ministry focuses on strong scriptural teaching, pastoral care, and empowering church members.
Bishop Charan’s family demonstrates the church’s multi-generational leadership development. Her husband, the Rt Revd Manoj Charan, serves as Bishop of the Diocese of Amritsar and Acting Deputy Moderator of the CNI Synod. Their son, Yashab, is studying for his Bachelor of Divinity at Bishop’s College, Kolkata, and leads the Synodical Youth Fellowship Committee as its President.
Two other women recently broke new ground in CNI leadership. The Rt Revd Violet Nayak became the first woman bishop in CNI history when the church consecrated her as Bishop in Phulbani on 22 May 2024. The Rt Revd Sushma Kumar followed just over a month later, receiving consecration as Bishop in Chhattisgarh on 25 June 2024, at the same chapel where Bishop Charan’s ceremony took place. The Most Revd Bijaya Kumar Nayak also presided over that service.
Bishop Charan’s consecration goes beyond personal achievement. The church describes it as “a bold affirmation of the Church’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women in ordained ministry.”
The CNI formed in 1970 when six Protestant denominations in northern India united. The church has accelerated women’s episcopal appointments dramatically over the past year, consecrating three women bishops within 13 months. This rapid change may encourage other regional denominations to take similar steps.
In a statement released on its Facebook page, the Synod of the Church of North India prayed “that the Lord will continue to bless Bishop Neena Charan with wisdom, courage, and grace as she leads the Diocese of Bhopal in this new chapter of ministry.” The statement also quoted Psalm 126:3: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
The Church of North India serves Protestant communities across northern India through evangelism, social service, and theological education in its various dioceses and institutions.
