Dimapur, February 5 (MExN): Identifying the menace of electoral mal-practices as one of “the causes of our ailing society,” the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has reaffirmed its “commitment to Clean Election movement.” The resolution, among others, was passed during the concluding session of the Council’s 21st Triennial Convention at Impur on February 4.
Hosted by Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang, under the theme ‘Knitted Together in Christ,’ more than 800 delegates from twenty Baptist churches and four associate churches converged at Impur Mission Centre, some 15 kilometers away from Mokokchung town, for the 3-day Convention held on February 2-4.
“As the Naga society genuinely longs for a change, NBCC has identified the menace of Election practices as one of the causes of our ailing society, and has launched Clean Election campaign some years ago," the resolution on clean election stated.
“In this historic gathering, we reaffirmed our commitment to Clean Election movement and pursue vigorously towards promoting the kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).”
However, admitting the movement as an “enormous challenges,” the Council also called upon all the churches under its fold to “earnestly pray on February 11, 2018 (Sunday) for wisdom, peace and fairness for the coming State Election on February 27, 2018.”
Reaffirming allegiance to Christian faith
In another resolution, the NBCC lamented that “every institution has been failing the society.” “There is a deep crisis of faith at personal level, and acute trust deficit in all relationships,” it said, adding that outside elements taking advantage of “this precarious situation” are intruding into the “Christian Naga society.”
The “ideology of Hindutva” which undeniably “contradicts the very notion of democracy and religious liberty” are seeping in the society, it noted.
“(It) advocates anti-Christian culture, such as, uniform civil code, introduction of yoga in schools, and intentionally disturbing the Christian calendar;” such ideology is aimed at “suppressing Christian faith, culture, and values,” the NBCC stated.
“In this challenging time, we reaffirmed our allegiance to Jesus Christ and His call to discipleship, and opposed every form of allurement to gain foothold in Nagaland. We also call upon all our members to stand firm and uphold our Christian faith,” it resolved.
“Here at Impur, the cradle of Christianity in Nagaland, we recommit ourselves to get deeper into the Word of God, more devoted to prayer, sincerely walk the talk as Christians, and align ourselves with God’s purpose, individually and collectively as the Body of Christ, and to live in righteousness and dispense love, justice and mercy,” the resolution stated.
Supportive ministry
The Council further said that the “need of the hour” for NBCC family is to seriously consider supportive ministry among the Associations so that they all grow together as one family.
Being knitted together in Christ should display in concrete relationships and networking in ministries, it said.
In this connection, the member Associations also “commits themselves to intentionally explore ways of working together, and help one another to achieve God’s intended purpose for His church.” '
New president
Meanwhile, Rev. Dr. Hukashe Zhimomi was elected as the new president of the Council replacing Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger and Rev. Dr. Rümatho Nyusou and Talijungla Jamir as Vice presidents replacing Rev. Hotokhu P. Zhimomi. Bideno Kikon was also selected as the new Christian Education Secretary.
Six missionaries were commissioned during the programme by Rev. Andrew Semp, Director, NMM, informed a press release issued by Media and Publicity, NBCC.
