NBCC, ABAM object to doing business on Sundays
Kohima, December 4 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM) have objected to the NSCN (IM) permitting business establishments in Dimapur to open on Sundays.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NBCC cited the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Christian principles to substantiate its objection.
On December 3, the ‘caretaker CAO’ of UT NSCN (IM) had informed all business establishments in Dimapur to keep their stores open on all Sundays from December 6 in view of the forthcoming festive season of Christmas and New Year.
However, the NBCC stated that “It is against our Christian principle to encourage people to do business on the day of worship,” and pointed out that there are six other days to do business “and to urge shops/stores and business establishments to stay open on the day of worship do not go well with the Christian spirit of celebrating Christmas.”
“Let us be mindful that Christmas is not about shopping and entertainment,” it added.
Further, the NBCC also said that it is the responsibility of all to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“In this ‘new normal era’, we are supposed to be following the SOPs strictly and yet, we see that we have become very careless and undisciplined. Our streets are crowded and we see the increase of cases each day, especially in Dimapur and Kohima. This is a concern that we must address rather than encouraging irresponsible behaviour. If there is anything that we can do at this time, we must exhibit responsible behaviour, mindful of oneself and the community,” the statement read.
According to the NBCC, churches conducting congregational worships are strictly following the SOPs, reducing the gathering to 30% of the sitting capacity while other mass gatherings and functions of the church are discouraged.
“This act is not a lack of faith but an exhibition of being responsible for the community. As much as we believe that God is in control of the situation, we also have our part to play in containing the spread of the virus in the community,” it said.
“In the era of social distancing, our streets are crowded and we are seeing more and more irresponsible behaviour. At this juncture, we must remind ourselves that countries are going through the second wave and once again returning to lockdown. We mourn with the families who have lost their loved ones to the sickness and we pray for them,” it added.
The NBCC further urged the government of Nagaland and the district administrations to respect the sentiments of the church not only during the festive season but also throughout the year to keep Sundays as a day of worship and not as a day of business.
“We impress upon the government to be strict in implementing the SOPs till the fight against the pandemic is won,” it added.
In a separate statement, the ABAM termed the notice as a “preposterous act” and called on all citizens to “cooperate with the teaching of the Bible.”
It reaffirmed the decision of the ABAM Executive meeting held on March 21 and 22, 2019 on the same issue and reiterated its resolution that “shopping/marketing on Sunday is totally against the biblical teachings and therefore all the believers should refrain from it.”
