The CNI WFCS organized a two days conference in Ludhiana on May 28, 29 , 2007. The conference was held at the Kalvary Church . Theme for the conference was “For freedom Christ has set us free: stand fast therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” Galatians 5:1

Nearly 200 women representing about eighteen CNI Dioceses viz. Agra , Amritsar , Barrackpore, Bhopal , Bombay , Chandigarh , Chotanagpur, Delhi , Gujarat, Kolhapur , Marathwada, Nagpur , North east India , Patna , Phulbani, Pune, Rajasthan and Sambalpur participated in the conference.  The Diocese of Chandigarh WFCS led the morning devotion, which was followed by Mrs. Primrose Masih, President, CNI WFCS welcoming the delegates and the dignitaries.  On behalf of the WFCS of the Chandigarh Dioceses, Mrs. E. Ghazan also welcomed the participants and the dignitaries.

The session began with the message by The Most Rev. Joel V. Mal, Moderator, Church of North

India . While deliberating on the theme the Moderator challenged members that “The freedom,

Jesus gave us, is freedom from sin and death and to grow together as the members of his body. This in practical terms means belong totally and completely in Christ to each other.  It does not mean possess or be possessed by one another but like incarnate Lord give yourself and belong to it for its salvation - and fullness.   The second part of the verse “stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery", means we are called upon not to   make  any   compromises or   adjustments which go against our belongingness to one another. This sense of belonging cannot be and should not be passive but has to be active and
positive all the time.”

The bible study was led by Rev. Mrs. Rajkumari Singh, Diocese of Chandigarh and Rev. Mrs. Lily Samantaroy, Diocese of Amritsar on Freedom in Christ and Freedom of being in Christ.  Both the leaders through biblical references brought forth what it is to be a woman free in Christ in all aspects of life.

The first session on “Being a Woman in Christ” was led by Mrs. Mabel Athavale, Secretary, CNI WFCS.  She emphasized on the need of the present women to be free from ignorance. She called on the participants to grow in mind enabling them to over come the fear of inequities as truth sets us free. As we are children of Lords promise God has expectation from us. 

Mrs. Vinita Shaw, CEO , Tran world Radios, New Delhi , encouraged and challenged in her session on Reclaiming the space – Women’s participation.

“Ability and Responsibility to be like Jesus” was the challenged shared by Mrs. Primrose Masih.  Through the practical examples of day today life with the women at home, in society, she called upon the women to stand up and assess their abilities which will enhance their responsibility and reflect their life Christ like.

How do we use our independence, is a question we all need to reflect upon.  We should not forget the rights of the others while enjoying our own independence.  The need of the hour is to understand what our ability through Bible is and how do we use it. She called upon the women to stand up against Domestic Violence be it physical or emotional.  We are self supporting and should not feel dependent on others.  Mrs. Masih requested the participants to be sensitive to the issue of child labor.  She called upon the delegates to stop hiring children as house maids and to do house work.  She further said that these children also have the right to live.  She called upon the Diocesan women to come together in combating the issue of child labor.  She once again made the members present aware of their responsibility towards family, church, and society, national and at international level. She further emphasized on the need of unitedly witnessing our service to the Community being free in Christ.

Final session on “Rediscovering our Potentials” was led by Mrs. Zanobia Mal. After recapitulating the earlier sessions, she reminded the members that they belonged to Church of North India , who stood on a firm footing now. Members were challenged with spirit of the true mission of unity, witness and service, being among the leaders of today. And to pursue the ‘mission and work’ of the Church. She told the women to get out of their comfort zones for total growth. Through a game, the participants were helped to rediscover and recognize their ‘leadership’ potentials.

Further through the example of Jonah, when he tried to run away, she focused their attention to the ‘moment’, the Prophet had to gain acceptance in God’s sight, which helped both Jonah and the Almighty Himself, to save Nineveh . “Do not ignore that moment, the soft whispering of the Holy Spirit, a little flutter of your heart,” she said. Thus bring in occasions of repentance, because the total ministry suffers because of us.

Mrs. Mal reminded and challenged the members with the positive developments initiated by the WFCS/ women at various levels in the past. She suggested to initiate few at priority basis such as; Giving a new look to the WFCS Constitution and revising it to the benefit of the changing needs of our community, by ‘enlarging the tents’, doing surveys to meaningfully approach the communities, Dream dreams and make programmes to bring in definite change.

The members we divided in four groups to discuss issues pertaining to be free in Christ. The members after much discussion and deliberations presented the reports.

CNI film giving the glimpse of the unity, witness and service was shown to the members. The delegates appreciated the film. The members were also enlightened about The North India Church Review. Many members subscribed to the same.  Members were also keen to receive the CNI devotion guide United to Witness.

Ms. Anjana Rey, Treasurer, CNI WFCS shared the finance report with the members enabling them to clear their dues.

The Diocese of Chandigarh had organized an evening of cultural programme.  Children from the school in Pathankot presented a welcome dance, while the Sunday school children, Youth Fellowship and WFCS members of Kalvary church gave a stupendous performance of songs, bhangara and giddha.  It was amazing to see elderly grand mothers enjoying and dancing to the beats of giddha (traditional Punjabi dance form).

The Most Rev. Joel V. Mal, once again addressed the delegates at the closing worship. He said, “We should forget our inequities, thus enabling ourselves to remember the blessing of our Lord.  Closing worship was prepared and led by Mrs. Racheal Pradhan, Coordinator, CNI Women’s Concern.