Mokokchung, April 19 (MExN): Finance Secretary of Nagaland government Kikheto Sema today stated that while church leaders should fulfil the task of spiritually nurturing the members, they should also give emphasis on the various social aspects of the members by approaching all issues in a holistic manner.
Speaking on the topic ‘Role of the church in building the State economy’ at the 4th Leadership Development Training organized by the Baptist Association in Eastern Nagaland in partnership with Clark Theological College, Aolijen on April 19, Kikheto called the pastors religious Ahngs of the church in their villages.
Church leaders have the perfect platform to educate the people not only in religious aspects but also socio-economic issues, he stated, adding when there is unrest in the social set-up among various communities, the church has the capability and platform to bring together conflicting issues/ communities under its banner and work out an amicable solution for reconciliation and peaceful co-existence. The church should be able to bring forth reconciliation and peace even when the society and the government – both overground and underground fail, he stated.
The Finance Secretary further stated that church members should be taught to respect the government no matter who is the leader as it has been equally ordained by God. The church members should also be taught to understand that the government, politicians and bureaucrats cannot be expected to solve all our problems both economical and social, it was added.
Kikheto highlighted that work culture and dignity of labor should be emphasized in the minds of our people. He also stressed on the circulation of money within “our” own people to enable sustainability of our economy.
Further, it was stated that with the amount of money that is invested into all the districts, if Naga people take up livelihood activities such as piggery, dairy farms, poultry, vegetable and fruit gardens, etc, these will be healthier and organic bringing good health and longevity. It will also result in circulation of money among Naga people and eventually our economy would become sustainable, he stated. Hence, churches were urged to teach local economy to the people.
On the issue of huge expenditure incurred during elections and the churches' “Clean Elections” policy, he stated that it should be implemented even before the beginning of elections and not only during the elections.
While indicating that huge amounts of money are being spent for construction of church buildings and purchase of vehicles for the pastors of the churches, he stated that the church should also open up its eyes and look at the dilapidated conditions of the government schools in the villages. “It is indeed a shame to see the best buildings are the Churches and the worst buildings are the schools,” he expressed.
He also conveyed sadness that people are no longer in touch with the folklore, folk songs, dances, and other cultural activities that were handed down to us through the generations. Further, the Secretary asserted the church members should pay dues and taxes to the government.
While asking the church to educate the people on how the government spends for their welfare, he encouraged the churches to tell the members, and particularly to the deacons, deaconesses and youth workers to set exemplary life of going to the offices regularly and sincerely.
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