The Dimapur Christian Forum, a body representing various churches and Christian denominations, hereby expresses its deep appreciation to a press release issued on December 23, 2005 by the Dimapur Municipal Council directing all the business establishments to remain closed on all Sundays w.e.f. January 2006 with exception of pharmaceutical concerns.
Reaffirming the fundamental heritage and Biblical mandate of Christian Faith, the duty of every believer is to maintain the sanctity of Sunday without any dilution since it is the day of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from Biblical mandate, it is universal holiday observed by the world irrespective of Christians or non-Christians. A Sunday is for consecration of families and believer’s in churches where the importance of God-man relationship, healthy human relationship, forgiveness, reconciliation, moral purity, and civic and social honesty are preached from biblical perspective.
Christianity is not a mere ritualistic religion, but it is the practice of a living relationship with God, the Creator and Sustainer of our ground and universe. On Sundays the believers listen to the Word of God as it is taught and preached. Prayers are offered for healing of spiritual hurts and brokenness, reconciling human differences and conflicts, and uniting human distance. The believers congregate under different circumstances for renewal of devotion to spiritual well being and commitment to service of humanity, be it in rural villages, urban cities, colleges or schools, or in jungle or forest.
Nagaland is exceptionally a land of Christians and Sunday becomes a unique non-working day when the Gospel was introduced to us for the first time. Our early illiterate believers observed this day by counting seven stones or cracking a stick for seven times following a Sunday. We are now fortunately guided by printed calendars. On this day, the Christians from every walk of life such as farmers, students, office goers, politicians or soldiers etc take a break from their works. It has no substitute or compromise.
The observance of Sunday reflects the identity of Christians. A Sunday marks Nagaland as a land for Christ or Christ for Nagaland. It is a common day devoted to worshiping God. Power of prayer fulfills God’s plan when the believers raise their voice together on Sundays. It a dynamic “business day” to promote God-man relationship. Further observing Sundays is the essence of social co-existing and harmony of the people. God holds human and a nation’s destiny. The release of the heart’s desire of His children all depends upon how sincere and honest we are with Him.
Therefore, reaffirming the DMC’ directive, the Forum hereby appeals to all general public and business communities to strictly maintain the sanctity of Sundays by closing down the business centre and abstaining from shopping with exceptions of pharmaceutical and medical necessities.
May God bless Nagaland. May his peace and knowledge prevail in this land as we sincerely honour and worship the true God.
Rev. L. Bizo, Chairman, Rev. Dr. P. Dozo, Vice-Chairman
Fr. Chacko Karinthayil, Secretary
