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Participants during the HIV/AIDS advocacy with pastors and church leaders held at NBCC Platinum Hall on September 24. (Photo Courtesy: LFA Nagaland)
Kohima, September 25 (MExN): “The working relationship of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and Legislators Forum on AIDS (LFA) is coming to an end soon.”
This was stated by Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary NBCC in his introductory speech during the HIV/AIDS advocacy with pastors and church leaders held at NBCC Platinum Hall on September 24. It was organised by Legislators Forum on AIDS (LFA) in partnership with Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and Kohima Baptist Pastor’s Fellowship (KBPF).
A press release issued by Dr. Vinito L. Chishi, State Consultant, LFA-Nagaland stated that during the programme, Dr Keyho said, “Though the working relationship may cease, the challenge put before the church must continue.”
‘Church must reach out’
The NBCC General Secretary said that the church must take upon her the responsibility to reach out through education, counselling and providing care.
“With the increasing trends of HIV in Nagaland which is now 1.15% and it is likely to go up unless remedial steps are taken and the problem addressed in war footing. In this context the church cannot shy away but must face the challenge head on, using every means the church have. As it is not only the responsibility of the government and the NGOs, it is also the responsibility of the church as well,” he stated.
For many years LFA has channelled the major fund through the church. “What we have done thus far is just breaking the ground level work and now we must also invest our time and our resources and develop a ministry particularly targeting the HIV/AIDS prevention and care programme. This is challenge placed in the hands of the church,” he added.
‘We must correct the flawed theology’
He further said that reaching out to those in need of help, a lending ear, a caring word, is the Christian social responsibility. He said that if the society finds it difficult we must jump in to rescue the system. “We are part of the bigger society and they need us. They need our time, our resources and our investment in containing the HIV infection that is rising at an alarming rate. We must correct the flawed theology and practices that equate sin with disease and put compassion over correctness. As the church continues to address the issue of morality, we must rescue those who are sinking many of whom are caught in the predicament with nothing of their fault,” Dr Keyho said.
In the concluding remark, he thanked LFA led by Dr. Vinito L. Chishi and the staff for taking their responsibility sincerely and connecting with the church.
Earlier in the programme, Dr. Vinito L. Chishi and Hukatoli also gave small presentation on what church can do and Nagaland HIV/AIDS scenario respectively.
Altogether 48 church pastors and leaders from different churches participated at the programme. The programme ended with a benediction by Dr. Kevichalie Metha, President - KBPF.
