Church leaders come out with action plan to address issues of corruption
Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 22
Church leaders from various denominations under the aegis of Dimapur Christian Fellowship (DCF) have come out with an action plan to address the issue of ‘Corruption’ that has eaten into the vitals of Naga society.
The church leaders at a consultation on the theme “Christian response to corruption in public life” held here on Saturday acknowledged that as Christians leaders and believers, they have failed to prevent corrupt practices in the Church and society and resolved to take a more pro-active role in combating corruption.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme, social activist, Niketu Iralu, said it is important to know the contributing factors of corruption in a developing society like that of the Nagas and for the Church to establish its position - theological, philosophical and ethical.
Iralu said in an isolated corner like Nagaland where people watch and emulate the happenings around the world, the common thinking trend is “when right things cannot be done even in advanced society, why bother?” He said public leaders considered as role models have also not helped much on the issue of corruption.
He also said the Church needs to be clear on three questions – What is kingdom of God? Where is kingdom and God? When is kingdom of God?
As Christians, if Nagas are confused with these questions, then the fight against corruption might as well be a lost battle, he said. Iralu said Christians are fixated on dying and heaven, forgetting that the whole Scriptures is about kingdom of heaven on earth. Citing the plight of students of primary schools in villages who are deprived of their fair share of education due to absentee teachers, the social activist said many such absentee teachers are active members and leaders of local churches.
Quoting GK Chesterton “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried”, Iralu added, “How do I live out God’s gospel on earth? If we are clear on this, Nagaland will be shaken.”
General Secretary, NBCC, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, who spoke on “Church’s response to corruption in public life”, said though the Naga Church is still very young, it has been called to grapple with a giant issue –corruption.
He said the journey (fight against corruption) must begin today and the Church must be able to respond to it in a biblical-theological (ethical & moral) manner.
“Today, corruption is like the cancer of our society. It has not only made us sick but it has made us non functional in more ways than recognized. It has eaten up all the good things in us. It has eaten up the hopes and aspirations of the younger generations if not my generation and it has made us an impotent society. It has given birth to so many unwanted elements in the society. It has taken the trust in us and in our frustrations and desperations we now blame each other. But unless we come out and own the issue we will be fighting the losing war”, Rev. Keyho said.
Keyho further said the Church must enter into the following endeavor to address the issue of corruption- a high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained; efficient, economic and effective use of resources must be promoted; public administration must be addressed to stay accountable, justice, equality and fairness must be preached and taught and be pursued and, people living beyond their means must be questioned rather than try to encourage them by using them to further the cause of the church agenda.
An action plan was adopted after interaction and panel discussion, with Dr. Hesheto Chishi, as the moderator. The panel members included Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Pastor Yanbemo Lotha, Rev. Dr. Shiwoto Sumi, Rev. Dr. Thungdemo Ngullie and Rev. Dr. Solomon Vizo. Earlier, chairman, DCF, Rev. RP Murry, delivered the welcome and introductory address.
