HT Bureau
DIPHU, Nov 9: The four-day 9th triennial conference of the Baptist Women’s Fellowship Northeast India (BWFNEI), under the Council of Baptist Churches of North East India (CBCNEI) with the theme ‘Women on the Rise’, concluded at Diphu Baptist Church (DBC) here on Sunday. The conference, hosted by the Karbi Anglong Baptist Convention Women Department (KABCWD) and co-hosted by the Nihang Karbi Baptist Association (NKBA), began on November 6 and brought together over 300 delegates from six Baptist conventions across the Northeast region, representing diverse cultures, languages and communities. The participating conventions included Arunachal Baptist Church Council (ABCC), Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), KABC, Garo Baptist Convention (GBC), Assam Baptist Convention (ABC) and Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC).
The conference witnessed the election of new office bearers for the next three-year term (2025–2028) to lead BWFNEI. Rev Bonjera Sangma from GBC was elected as the new president, Roinem T Kamba, women secretary of ABCC, as vice president and Janyce Rengma from KABC as secretary. Rev Frolina D Shira was re-elected treasurer for a second consecutive term. Executive members inducted included Katoli Sumi, women secretary of NBCC and Archana Serto, women secretary of MBC, while BWFNEI president Rev Apila Thangal served as ex-officio.
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The four-day conference featured workshops, business sessions and call-to-worship programs. Resource persons included Nini Bendang, Women Pastor at City Church, Kohima, who spoke on ‘Creation and Sexuality,’ and Rev Dr Zhodi Angami, Associate Director, Translations, Bible Society of India, Shillong, who spoke on ‘Women Ordination’ and ‘Cultic Movement.’ The plenary session focused on ‘Balancing Family and Ministry,’ with panelists Rev Apila Thangal, Rev Rinje and Nini Bendang, moderated by Roinem T Kamba.
On November 8, a special worship service, ‘Indigenous Worship,’ was conducted with the theme ‘Women on the Rise in Transforming the Culture.’ Delegates celebrated God through demonstrations of their own cultural heritage. Rev Rinje N Sangma, Assistant Professor, Harding Theological College, Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya emphasised accepting Christ Jesus as master and savior in her exhortation.
On the concluding day, the call to worship began at 10 AM, with Rev Dr Zhodi Angami speaking on ‘Women on the Rise in Transforming Communities,’ acknowledging the contributions of women in shaping communities and culture. The installation of the newly elected office bearers was conducted by Rev Dr Solomon Rongpi, Pastor, DBC.
Jacksil Sangma of GBC, ex-officio of BWFNEI, described the conference as fruitful, noting the participation of more than 300 delegates and the discussion of key women’s issues, including cultic movements and balancing responsibilities in family and ministry. She also announced that the 10th triennial conference will be held in 2028 at the Manipur Baptist Council.
Janyce Rengma, newly elected secretary of BWFNEI and currently women secretary of KABC, expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the post and sought God’s guidance to perform her duties diligently during her term. The worship service was attended by Executive Member (EM) of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) Richard Tokbi, KABC president Nimrod Teron, KABC general secretary Rev. Kamson Rongphar, DBC Pastor Rev. Hilson Singnar, DBC Associate Pastor Grace Lian Ronghangpi, NKBA executive secretary Rev. Tenson Bey, and other church leaders.
