DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 2 (MExN): Bishop James Thoppil of Kohima, who is in Bhopal attending the 29th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops’ India (CCBI), has appealed for restrain and calm in the State.
In a statement from the Bishop’s house, he said the Church is pained to hear the events happening in the State, particularly in Kohima. “In spite of the best efforts of the leadership at the various levels, things seem to grow out of control and so we appeal to all concerned to remain calm and restrain from further escalation of harmful events.”
The Bishop further stated: “In most difficult and problematic situation we need the grace and power of God to discern and decide what is best for our people. There are no problems which cannot find solutions and no solutions beyond human effort, if only every stake holder sits down in calmness desiring to find the best solution with the discerning power of the Holy Spirit. As Christians we all know that violence breeds violence.”
“Unless the Lord builds the house do the laborer labors in vain” (Ps 127:1). As Christians we must subject ourselves to the rule and reign of God, who wants peace and prosperity for His people, which comes only when we follow God and his precepts, he added.
The Bishop further asked all people to abjure all forms of violence in the name of God. “Let not emotions, very natural and legitimate, take control over our reasons. St. Paul tells us clearly, “many things are lawful and not all things helpful (I Cor 10:29). Let us at the moment cultivate and cherish an atmosphere of calmness and patience, discussion and dialogue, sharing and caring, give and take always keeping mind the common goal of progress that benefit the future of our people. Let us remain united and resolve our difference in true Christian spirit of love and reconciliation,” he added.
