Constitution of the Church of North India and Bye-Laws (1970)

The Constitution of the Church of North India (CNI) is the foundational document governing its doctrine, structure, worship, and administration, embodying the church’s ecumenical identity as a united Protestant body formed on November 29, 1970, through the union of Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, and Brethren traditions. It begins with a Preamble and the Basis of Union, a theological covenant that articulates the faith, purpose, and historical intent of the union. The Constitution affirms Trinitarian faith, the authority of the Old and New Testament Scriptures, the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, and the two sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, while upholding the historic threefold ministry of Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons within a synodical framework known as “Episcopacy-in-Council.” Governance is conciliar and representative, operating through Pastorate Committees at the local level, Diocesan Councils under elected Bishops, Regional Councils, and the Synod as the supreme authority, supported by its Executive Committee, Moderator, General Secretary, and Treasurer. The Constitution also outlines membership rights, ministerial discipline, property and legal matters, worship through a common yet flexible liturgy, amendment procedures, and a strong commitment to Christian unity, positioning the CNI as a distinctive Indian expression of historic Christian faith and shared governance.