The South and East Asia Regional Forum of the Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS) took place in Delhi from 10 to 12 February. Delegates from the EMS member churches in India and Korea met there. Among them was Violet Nayak, the first female bishop of the Church of North India (CNI). We met her for an Interview.

Please tell us something about yourself – where are you from and what was your journey?

I come from a Christian family. My parents worked in a mission hospital. I have six sisters and one brother, and I am the youngest daughter. After studying history at university, I completed my Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore College in Kolkata. In 2000, I started my ministry, especially working with children. I was ordained in 2001. In 2016, the children's project I was working for, which supported more than 360 children, had to be closed. After that, I worked as an area coordinator, supervising 50 churches. By God's grace, I became a bishop in 2025.

Why did you decide to study theology? Did you always want to be a pastor?

In eighth grade, I had a clear idea that I wanted to work in ministry later. At that time, I was attending a vocational Bible school. After studying history, I was offered a job as a government lecturer, but I turned it down. Instead, I went straight to Serampore College, took the entrance exam and passed.

You are the first woman bishop in the CNI. What are your plans?

I intend to strengthen the influence and participation of women, especially in leadership positions, as our culture is characterised by male dominance. In my diocese, I want to increase the number of women in positions of responsibility, such as in the parish office, as secretaries or treasurers, and I also intend to open up rural areas for the Gospel, raise awareness of hygiene and career opportunities and combat malnutrition among children. An important aspect of this is the promotion of agriculture in the areas inhabited by people from Odisha, in order to strengthen the local economy and reduce migration to neighboring states, which are affected by a lack of jobs.

 How do you plan to empower women in the CNI?

There are many women in the churches, but leadership positions are predominantly held by men. To change this, I am particularly committed to supporting young women and encouraging them to study theology. I want women to take on responsibility and see themselves as equals.

What is your vision for women in India in five years’ time?

I want to encourage women to take on responsibility and establish themselves as leaders. I want to see a church where women and men have equal rights.

 Wat is your message to women around the world?

Women and men are equal. Women should never feel inferior but should be confident in going their own way. A God-fearing woman will always grow and develop. Together, women can be strong, courageous and full of love.

We thank Violet Nayak for the interview.