Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 8
Chief Minister TR Zeliang today released a book entitled ‘Biblical Reflections on HIV/AIDS for pastors, church leaders and caregivers’ authored by Rev. Dr. Razouselie Lasetso and produced by Legislators’ Forum on AIDS (LFA) Nagaland. This book was released during the annual general meeting of LFA here today at the Assembly Secretariat conference hall.
Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) in foreword stated that this book will change the face of how we view the subject matter and respond to its crisis as pastors, church leaders and caregivers. “This book will go a long way in helping the church. Therefore, I recommend the book to all the church leaders who in one way or the other are involved in church ministry in general and to pastors and counselors in particular,” penned Rev. Dr. Keyho.
In preface, Rev. Dr. Razouselie Lasetso mentioned that HIV/AIDS has brought untold misery and devastation to human life. Denial and silence have perpetuated the virus to reach all concerns of the globe today. Now it is lurking everywhere. The religious or cultural domains are not precluded from this threat. Therefore, religious and cultures cannot remain silent any longer. They need to reflect why this has come so and what can each community group do to stop this threat.
“LFA has a particular concern for addressing stigma and discrimination which has posed as a major obstacle to prevention, blood testing, treatment, care and support. It is our high expectation that the “church” will come forward as the “Voice of the People” to fight stigma and discrimination and pass on ‘love and compassion’ and ‘care and support’ as Jesus did for all and commanded us to do. Such a demonstration will help us to gain momentum to reaching the Zero target,” penned LFA consultant Dr. Vinito Chishi.
Dr. Chishi added that LFA identified the churches as the best platform and channel to educate, discipline and communicate to members of their own community in towns and villages, for which it launched advocacy programme through Nagaland Development Outreach (NDO) under NBCC in 2013. This programme extends to all other denominations without exception and is being supported by LFA.
Later, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Chotisuh Sazo also released another book entitled “Guidebook on HIV/AIDS for pastors and church workers” contributed by the faculty of Oriental Theological Seminary and produced by LFA Nagaland. This booklet is intended as a practical tool for pastors and church leaders across all denominations in solidarity to address the challenge that HIV presents. It is also designed for civil society organizations that wish to work with churches.
“This booklet is an attempt to challenge our Naga churches and Christians to respond to the AIDS crisis facing humanity today,” penned Rev. Dr. Wati Aier in foreword.
