It was established on 29 November 1970 by bringing together most of the Protestant churches working in northern India.

A negotiation committee was set up in 1951 using the plan of Church Union that resulted from the earlier consultations as its basis.

[8] In 1957, the Church of the Brethren in India and the Disciples of Christ denominations joined in the negotiations as well.

The CNI is a trinitarian church that draws from the traditions and heritage of its constituent denominations.

The main administrative and legislative body is the synod, which meets once every three years to elect a presiding bishop, called a moderator, and an executive committee.

There is also a synodal Programme Office which seeks to protect and promote peace, justice, harmony and dignity of life.

The CNI participates in many ecumenical bodies as a reflection of its commitment towards church unity.

[9] When originally founded in 1813, the fourth overseas diocese of the Church of England covered all the subcontinent, all Australasia and some of Africa.

[14][15] The CNI Northeast diocese, based in Shillong, North East India is headed by bishop Michael Herenz.

[16] It originated as the Diocese of Assam, in the Anglican Church of India, erected from Calcutta in 1915;[17] and became known by the present name before 1986.