Mokokchung, October 26 (MExN): Altogether 43 theological students and 16 theology faculty from 15 North India Theological Colleges and Seminaries are participating at the 56th North India Theology Student’s Conference which is underway at Clark Theological College, Aolijen, Mokokchung.
Keynote speaker for the inaugural ceremony Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo, President, Senate of Serampore College (University), Kolkata and the Principal of Trinity Theological College, Dimapur in his address, challenged the august house to be conscious of the contemporary world scenario and admonished the gathering that “you are involved in imparting theological education to the present generation and generation to come”. He also challenged the gathering by saying “if our theological education and preaching is not prophetic, it is pathetic.”
He further outlined two important challenges faced by Church in the contemporary world. First he said, “If Church wants to be prophetic, she must challenge institutionalization of the Church.” Church belong to Christ and thus, called Theological Community and Church to, with all humility, place “Christ at the Centre Stage”, Dr. Kavito said.
Secondly, the Speaker also said, “If Church want to be prophetic, she must challenge privatization of the Church. Our Churches have become hierarchical and rich seeking Churches and therefore ignores the voice and pains of the needy, poor and lonely/isolated people. “To whom are we listening?” These are the challenges for which we are called, said the speaker.
The president of the North India Theology Student’s Conference, Ngukatoli Achumi, Trinity Theological College delivered the Presidential Address and the Welcome address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Mar Pongenner, Principal, Clark Theological College. Dedicatory prayer for the 56th North India Theology Student’s Conference was said by Rev. Dr. A. Temjen Jamir, Academic Dean, Clark Theological College. It is to be noted that the North India Theology Student’s Conference is an Ecumenical Body founded in 1963 with an aim to theologize in the contemporary world. It’s a body for discussion, dialogue and fellowship.
The four-day Conference will have panel discussions and paper presentations on various issues on the theme, “Church as a Prophet for Contemporary Issues” and will conclude on October 28. This was stated by Dr. Temsuyanger, Faculty Advisor to the 56th North India Theology Student’s Conference in a press release.
