Church rings ‘healing & reconciliation’ bell: Principal Emeritus of Patkai Christian College, T Shishak, Rev L Bizo and others engage themselves in prayer during the launch of the ‘Healing and Reconciliation Movement’ at Dimapur on Friday, September 29. (Right) NBCC Peace Affairs Director, Rev L Kari Longchar, kneels down in prayer during the program. (MExPix)
DIMAPUR, SEPT 29 (MExN): Hundreds responded to the Church’s call for healing and reconciliation to be fostered among warring Naga groups, as prayers for peace were today offered at the Covenant Hall in Dimapur. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council’s road map to ushering in peace was also made known through a booklet which seeks to generate consciousness and conversation on the Naga struggle among different sections of society.
Addressing socio-political problems as products and by-products of sin, NBCC General Secretary Zhabu Terhüja announced that the Church has taken the initiative in bringing about citizen-participation in the process of reconciliation. The wounds have to be identified for an understanding to be reached at, he said. “We are not saying forgive and forget; we are saying forgive and remember it well,” he told congregants. In the national struggle, houses have been divided among tribal lines, he said. “We are not saying this (the Church’s proposal) is the only way,” the Reverend expounded.
It was also highlighted that the Church has no political agenda. It is only seeking to break the ice between factions who do not see eye to eye. What the Minster wishes to accomplish is the acceptance of ‘each other’ even if factions do not come under a common umbrella.
Upholding its commitment to reconciliation, the Naga Hoho by way of its President, Bendangmayang Jamir, said political differences have to be resolved in a realistic perspective. He urged leaders not to divide Nagas and said the aspiration for integration has to be strengthened. The Hoho called for an end to division, bitterness and armed confrontation. “Naga people, as a nation, should have the courage to speak the truth,” Bendangmayang said. To remain in silence would mean encouraging a lie, he pressed. He told national workers to shun using Christ’s name “if they continue violence.”
Appreciating the initiative of the NBCC, a representative from the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organization said the peace project had taken some time in the coming but asserted, ‘It is time for us Christians to stand up.’
Father Abraham Lotha of the Catholic Church outlined that instead of bloodshed and division, “our differences should help us build respect for one another.” He quoted Paul Boese: “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”
Making an ‘intrusion’ into the proceedings, Nagaland’s Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner, TN Mannen, made the suggestion that whenever indications of an armed conflict arise, the Church could lead the public in preventing clashes from occurring. A ‘peace tree’ was planted today and saplings were distributed to branches of the Church. The stemming of the plants is to determine the activeness of the Church’s units in different areas.
NBCC executives later said this time’s reconciliation gesture would hold more ground as modalities have been entered in their booklet. The Peace Committee of the Council is looking forward to an appointment with NSCN (K) leaders at Mon on October 5.
