Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC
Zubza, November 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Theological Colleges Association (NTCA) 19th annual general conference was held under the theme, ‘Christian and Politics’ at ABCC Prayer Garden, Zubza on November 5 and 6.
During the conference, a panel discussion on ‘Church and Politics’ was held with the following in the panel: Mathung, Electoral Office, Government of Nagaland, Dr Andrew Ahoto, Chairman, Livingstone Foundation International, Dr ZK Pahrü, Associate Prof, Baptist Theological College, stated a press release issued by NTCA Media Cell.
Mathung stated that there is no wrong or difference between political and Christian values, but the problem lies in electoral roll, even Christian hold on to double voting card. He said that the public needs to be aware of their voting right and by calling the people to take the issue in line with the Christian values.
Dr Pahü positioned that corrupt political system a spiritual bankruptcy, running out of ideas to deal with the issue of Christians and Politics, therefore need another alternative to seek change as the outcome. “There is a need of a leader not for conquest but one who stands for love and sacrifice. One needs to point out problem and issues of unequal distribution of wealth, our ministers giving too much importance on Naga Political Issues which is none of their business, delimitation of voters etc. The church should be a channel and call for theological education say no to corrupt money,” Dr Pahü said.
Dr Ahoto deliberated that politics exists since the inception of mankind. “Politics is in us all, our mind and the heart.
Politics in its best is to say it’s immoral and its worst to say its Abnormal. We cannot always throw the blame on the party but need to check the leader. Somewhere something has gone wrong, who has made it like this, the bureaucrats politicians or the Church?” he paused.
In the opening service, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary, NBCC, said, “Followership is important in the discussion of leadership for several reasons. Without followers there are no leaders.” Leadership and fellowship are closely intertwined. Effective followers can shape productive leadership, just as effective leaders develop good followers. Leadership and fellowship is a supportive to each other.
Dr Villo Naleo, Academic Dean, Shalom Bible Seminary also presented a paper on the topic, “Christians and Politics.”
During the Sunday morning worship, Temen Jamir, Chief Editor, Tir Yimyim in his message said that election is a very vital part of our lives. “But today,” he added, “election is seen as unpleasant as it triggers overspending, currency manipulation and politicised court rulings.” He suggested that ‘adopting a system of selection could be well fitted for our society, as part of our old culture.’
More than 30 colleges participated in the conference.
