Rev. Rinki Rachel Soren (left) and Rev. Sushila Murmu (right) at their ordination service on Reformation Day. Photo: NELC
Nepal Evangelical Lutheran church marks a milestone for gender justice and women in leadership
(LWI) - In a landmark move for gender justice, the Nepal Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC) on Reformation Day ordained its first two women for ministry, Rev. Rinki Rachel Soren and Rev. Sushila Murmu. Over 325 people witnessed the ordination service held at Laxmipur, Morang, on October 31, 2025.
Murmu has been serving in the women’s ministry in Nepal for several years, providing spiritual, emotional, and practical support to women in the mountainous country. “My role has been to help them grow in faith and navigate life’s challenges,” she said. Having taken leadership roles earlier, including as a board member of the NELC, she will now be able to conduct child baptisms, Holy Communion services, funerals, church and house ordinations, and cottage meetings, while also serving as a substitute pastor when needed.
“I feel so blessed because this journey isn’t just my own choice — it’s God’s calling. Following Him has completely transformed my life,” Soren said. Living in Lalitpur in the Kathmandu Valley and pursuing her Master's degree, she hopes to center her ministry on youth and women, nurturing faith and strengthening the church’s witness through community outreach. “I hope young people and women will see their true worth in God’s eyes and rise as leaders and change-makers,” added Soren, who is a youth leader herself.
The Reformation is not confined to history but continues wherever the Church is renewed in faith and obedience to God.
Rev. Dr. Rospita Siahaan, LWF Regional Secretary for Asia
Congratulating the two newly ordained women, Rev. Dr. Rospita Siahaan, LWF’s Regional Secretary for Asia, said, “This historic milestone stands as a powerful testimony to the work of the Holy Spirit, who calls both women and men alike for ministry in Christ’s Church. That this sacred celebration takes place on Reformation Day is no coincidence. It is a providential sign that the Reformation is not confined to history but continues wherever the Church is renewed in faith and obedience to God.”
“I pray that the newly ordained pastors will continue to grow in their calling, confirmation, and commitment,” said Rev. Dr Marcia Blasi, LWF Program Executive for Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, who was among the international guests gathered to mark the historic event. “As an advocate for gender justice, I deeply appreciate this remarkable step taken by NELC toward inclusivity and equality in ministry.”
The newly ordained pastors, next to Bishop Joseph Soren and guests at the ordination service, give a blessing to the congregation. Photo: NELC
LWF Program Executive for Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment, Rev. Dr. Marcia Blasi, at the ordination service on Reformation Day. Photo: NELC
The newly ordained pastors distribute Holy Communion during their ordination service. Photo: NELC
Rev. Parshu Gurung, an advisor to the Nepal Christian Society called NELC’s decision to ordain two women ‘a great leap of faith,’ expressing hope that other churches would follow.
Speaking on behalf of the Biratnagar Christian Women Society in Morang district, Ms Anita Subba noted that, “It is not always easy for a woman to step into leadership. There may be many obstacles and discouragements along the way, but my prayer is that, with the power and strength of the Almighty God, our newly ordained women will overcome every challenge and continue to stand firm in their divine calling.”
“Our bold step to ordain women pastors reflects our commitment to equality and biblical values,” said NELC Bishop Joseph Soren. “Although we live in a male-dominated society where women still face barriers to participation and leadership, NELC is working to break such barriers and build a community where men and women can serve God together," he added, expressing the hope hoping that these ongoing efforts will inspire others to see that equality is part of God’s plan for all people.
In predominantly Hindu Nepal, NELC serves Dalit and marginalized communities through education, health, spiritual, and economic initiatives. The church has 10 congregations among Santal and Dalit groups, 3 prayer centers, and around 1,400 baptized members. Its mission spans evangelism, children’s ministry, education, skills development, interfaith collaboration, and family ministry. NELC is active in partnerships with the Bible Society, local churches, and interfaith networks and has contributed to disaster response and COVID-19 relief efforts.
