NBCC General Secretary, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho. (Morung File Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 13
Commenting on the recent controversy surrounding allegations against former Pastor of Father’s House Church (FHC), Robert Kikon, of committing “immoral acts,” including sexual molestation, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, stated that such acts are “inexcusable.”
He, however, stressed that the law should take its own course, adding, “He (Kikon) has sinned against God by committing such a heinous act; there is no defense for it…a crime is a crime, and the law has to take its own course.”
Speaking to The Morung Express on the sidelines of an event held in Diphuphar on October 11, the NBCC General Secretary noted that even before the allegations against Kikon were brought to light, there had also been accusation of church workers abusing their members.
“The role of a shepherd tending to his flock is being abused,” he pointed out. “People put a lot of trust in the pastor of a church; however, that confidence is now lost for many. It has also had a very negative impact on those who are sincere,” he added.
“We continue to pray for the victims and that they find healing,” he affirmed.
As per recent updates, an FIR (First Information Report) had been lodged by Father FHC against Kikon, who is still absconding. The complaints registered against the accused include offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Accountability and other issues
Rev Dr Keyho also addressed other pressing matters concerning churches in Nagaland, viewing that all these issues boil down to a “lack of accountability and honesty.”
“The word ‘unfortunate’ is quite simplistic; beyond that, it saddens all of us. The whole body of the Church is hurt, but more importantly, ‘Christ is hurt.’ Whether it be an independent church or one under a denomination, it is all the same,” he underscored.
Dwelling on the misappropriation of church funds that had been made public earlier this year, he noted that not just the church, but the entire society has become lovers of wealth.
“There is a lack of prophetic message; rather, the focus is on accumulating wealth and riches,” said Rev Dr Keyho. “We have all become too complacent over the years.”
In this connection, he advocated for total transformative change rather than a temporary emotional revival. Perhaps that is why independent churches have become very popular at present, he observed.
“We have to guard ourselves and be careful, and that is a good lesson for us to learn,” he said while reminding church leaders to “be mindful; don’t misuse your power and the trust people have in you.” “It is regretful, and I’m sorry that many have lost faith in the church,” he admitted.
When queried about the Church’s stance on the LGBTQ movement, Rev Dr Keyho maintained that bringing the event to Nagaland had been quite intentional, as it created a lot of stir.
“Although we have to be accommodative, it does not mean that we accept their behaviour,” he said. Rather, the way forward should be to minister to them, talk to them, and the Bible is very clear that a relationship should be between a man and a woman, husband and wife, he asserted.
