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Women leaders and organisers of the NCRC’s all-tribe NCRC women’s prayer and ‘Word retreat’ pose for a photograph. The prayer event was conducted on Sep. 16 at Niathu Resort in Chumukedima.[/caption]
Dimapur, Sep. 18 (EMN): The NCRC’s Women Elders’ Ministry held for the first time an all-tribe NCRC women’s prayer and ‘Word retreat’ on Sep. 16 at Niathu Resort in Chumukedima.
The retreat, which was meant for 100 participants, was attended by 120 participants from 20 churches all over Nagaland, a press release from the organisers stated on Monday.
The resource persons for the retreat were Nini Sekhose, pastor of Garden Mission CRC. She spoke on the theme of the event ‘Stepping into such a time as this.’ She said that Jesus came to the world at a time when the Talmudic laws had reduced the position of women in the Jewish society to almost nothing.
“Women were not even allowed to be witnesses in a court of law because they were considered natural liars! At such a time Jesus came and stood up for the weak and the helpless, irrespective of gender. He empowered women through his actions and his speech. He looked around and did not see gender. He only saw people,” the press release quoted her as having stated.
Mary Magdalene was the first evangelist and was only incidental and nothing to do with her gender, only her heart, she said. ‘The headship of the man should be used to empower, just as Jesus used his headship to empower his bride, he empowered her and made her glorious and radiant. He gave his life for her. Leadership / headship is given to empower, not to withhold,’ the speaker said.
Anungla Aier, former president of the Ao CRC Women’s Association spoke on the topic “In touch with the times.” She said that with the advent of Christianity in Nagaland, old mindsets have to give place to the new.
“Laws and practices which were passed down verbally and which are detrimental to women, have to be reviewed. It is time to pour new wine into new bottles. God did a lot to redeem mankind, may the Bible be read with a redeeming mindset, a mindset that is inclusive and not exclusive,” Aier said.
Dr. Nighatoli Kiho, women pastor of the Sumi CRC in Kohima spoke about ‘women in church ministry,” and how it needs to be more inclusive. “Prejudices against women in traditional priesthood roles should be done away with as today we live in a time when every believer is a king and a priest before God in accordance with the original desire of God. The original desire of God for mankind to stand before Him as Kings and Priests has been restored in the New Testament,” the speaker said.
“There is no gender bar for this role. She expounded upon the verses considered to be problematic and rightly balanced them. Denominational leaders should not hesitate in licensing and ordaining women in full time ministry. The existing gender bias on this issue should be removed. Bible verses should be used to open and not to close doors,” she said, according to the press release.
The organisers have thanked all the participants and contributors and donors who contributed to the event.
