DIMAPUR, JANUARY 18 (MExN): The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) has stated that it was constrained to bring to the knowledge of the people of the State the “form of injustice and violation of basic human rights being committed by a section of the members of the Naga society”. The CAN in a press information and appeal has called on the larger society to conscientiously address the issue so as to check the growth of sectarianism within our egalitarian society.
The Catholic Association of Nagaland, the apex organization of the Catholic laity, stated that it was distressed at the manner in which the members of the Baptist Church in some villages undertake in preventing the practice of the Catholic faith in their areas. “There are instances where the Catholic Church buildings are destroyed or burnt by members of the Baptist Church”, stated the press note issued by Nosazol Charles President, CAN and Elias T Lotha Secretary General, CAN.
It reminded about the Catholic Church at Anatongre under Kiphire District which was nearly completed but “violently vandalized by the villagers of Baptist alignment on 09.07.2010 citing reason that the village council had in the past resolved to allow only the Baptist Church to be established and none other”. According to CAN, the District administration had on 23.05.2012 made very clear to the village that “such local resolution do not stand the test of legal and constitutional framework of the stare”.
With persisting deadlock over the issue, it was informed that the District administration, after having served notices to substantiate their claim and with failures on the part of the villagers to respond, issued a directive to the Village Council “not to interfere in any form the fundamental right…to practice and profess any religion/denomination in the village including the right to construct religious structures/churches..” with immediate effect.
According to the CAN, what was observed as repulsive and inhuman is that the Village Council, the Students Union and the Citizen Union of Anatongre village had jointly responded to the District Administration’s directive urging the “competent authority not to issue any order till we report clear information regarding the establishment or construction of the Catholic Church at Anatongre village for the best convenience in the interest of general public”.
“In the event of such intolerant and unconstitutional and appallingly inhuman stance adopted by the members of the Baptist Church in Anatongre village and in many areas, the Catholic Association of Nagaland deems it appropriate to state that we live in an era of understanding and tolerance more so as we are Christians”.
The CAN stated that as true Christians, we are to silently and prayerfully endure the tortures and harassment inflicted upon us for being a Christian. “We, nevertheless, also believe that every human being is essentially good and intolerance has no place in a civilized society”.
The CAN appealed to the good will of the Anatongre village leaders to allow reason and goodwill to prevail. The CAN also implored upon the government to address the issue as only timely and right action will restore the goodwill among the people needless to mention that the actions are unconstitutional and violation of human rights.
Also stating that the growth of Christian faith in our land is very recent, the CAN stated that the credit goes to the American Baptist that first came and established the American Baptist Church in our land. More than half a century later, the Catholic reached the land of the Nagas and Church was established, it stated.
Pointing out that the Catholic Church has been very actively providing quality education ever since then, it stated that enabling people to learn and understand was one of the mission approaches of the Church and that the Church has been instrumental in molding with high moral standard the young minds.
“The intent and mission of the Catholic Faith is to accomplish the command of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, to preach the gospel to every nation… and to baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is true that every Christian denomination is an offshoot of the Catholic Church”.
