They recognized that in societies such as India, where women were kept in isolation, only women missionaries would be able to break down the cultural barriers. Yet, after World War I, the women's societies began to decline. Many merged with their denominational missions agencies. With the changing roles of women in society, the increased business professionalism in missions, and the growing liberalism, many nominal Protestant women became indifferent to missions. Though women's societies declined in influence, they had been an important means of increasing general Christian interest in missions as well as expanding the opportunities for both single and married women on the mission field.
Women continue today to have a major role in supporting and going as missionaries.
Carnegie Hall in New York City was filled to capacity yesterday with the opening sessions of the Ecumenical Missionary Conference. Benjamin Harrison, former US President, gave the opening speech. All of man's advances in science cannot compare with the important advance of Christian missions. President McKinley gave the address at the evening session followed by Governor Theodore Roosevelt of New York, who spoke of his personal experience with Indian missions out west. In acknowledging these addresses by these two great civic leaders, Chairman Harrison noted that though both McKinley and Roosevelt were personally sympathetic to missions, even if they were not, their patriotism would qualify them to come and speak to a Christian assembly and encourage the spread of Christianity throughout the world, for our nation's peace and security depend on the Christian principles found in the Word of God.