Through scholarships, the United Church is helping nurture women church leaders in India
The United Church of Canada’s relationship with India goes back long before the denomination’s formation a century ago, to 1876, when Rev. J. Fraser Campbell of The Presbyterian Church in Canada arrived in India to begin mission work. Shortly afterward, a boarding school was established, and hospital and medical work began. By the 1950s, the United Church operated four primary schools, five middle schools, and one high school. All but one of these schools were led by Indian women serving as principals.
Since then, much has changed in our relationship with partners in India. Rather than running schools or hospitals, the United Church now works alongside Indian leaders on human rights, community development, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Yet we still care deeply about education—especially women’s education. Bishop’s College, which trains church leaders in Kolkata (Calcutta), has become one of our valued partners. Through the generosity of its members, the United Church still supports Bishop’s College in providing scholarships to five young women who feel called by God to pursue theological degrees. Even though women are not always welcomed in church leadership, they remain steadfast. With the United Church’s support, they are courageously following God’s call and taking on the challenge of studying theology in English. Here are their stories.
Sasmita shared that she first wanted to be a teacher, but through God’s call, she came to Bishop’s College in Kolkata. Coming from a small village, she said, “I was afraid to talk with everyone. Slowly, other students encouraged me, helped me, and prayed for me.” In that environment, she began to believe that God had truly chosen her.
Preeti’s story is similar: “When I came to the college, it was the first time I had left my family, and it was not easy. Students here, however, helped me overcome my homesickness. I realized that this is what I wanted to do. No one needed to tell me to study.”
Madhusmita also felt God’s gentle nudge. With her father’s encouragement, she came in the hopes of becoming a pastor. It hasn’t been easy, but she finds strength in her community and her faith. “Every day, I pray to God,” she says. “God is with me.”
Sakshi’s journey has been one of transformation. She had once planned to become a nurse, and even trained for eight months. But on the day of her baptism, her life changed. “I decided to give my life to God,” she said. Guided by her bishop, she came to Bishop’s College. Despite her own health challenges, she feels called to serve the poor. For her practicum, she worked at Mother Teresa’s Home, where she learned the joy of compassionate service.
For Marcy, her call is also deeply personal. Her late father, a former Bishop’s College student, dedicated his life to ministry. After his passing in 2015, life became difficult, with very limited resources. Many encouraged her to study nursing, but she could not ignore God’s call to follow in her father’s footsteps. “I know this is what I am meant to do,” she says.
As Principal Rev. Sunil Caleb explains, English is a major challenge for students, as it is their second language and it is the language of theological education. “Many students struggle,” he says, “it’s not easy.” Today, Bishop’s College has 120 students, but only 23 are women—and many women still face barriers to being accepted in church leadership. Thus, supporting these women is so important. For many of the students, especially from rural villages, finances are difficult.
Each of these students comes from a difficult background, yet all feel a strong call to serve nevertheless. They persist in learning English, Greek, Hebrew, and demanding subjects like Hermeneutics (the interpretation of scripture). Their days begin early and end late, with chapel services at 9 am, 1 pm, and again at 6:30 pm in the evening. They say that these times of worship strengthen their faith and prepare them for leadership. The students are deeply grateful for the United Church’s support as they continue their studies and serve their communities. Through their faith, perseverance, and love for God, they are already making a difference—and they will be a blessing to many.
—Rev. Won Hur works as the Global Partnership Program Coordinator for Asia in the General Council’s Church in Mission Unit
The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.