‘We stand on the Constitution of LBCA’

Morung Express News
Wokha | November 22

On November 22, the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) led by Dr Renbi Rangthang held an ordination prayer programme at the Vankhosung Mission Centre. In response to the ordination, the LBCA group under Rev Nyanchumo Lotha organised a rally to express their resentment at the Vankhosung mission centre but later changed their venue after an order was passed by the Wokha Village council.

Members of the LBCA under Rev Nyanchumo Lotha later gathered at the Mother Church Gate in Wokha Town, following which a press briefing was conducted.

During the briefing, LBCA Secretary Samuel Ovung informed that Executive Secretary Rev Nyanchumo Lotha and President Rev Dr LL Kikon were unable to attend the gathering due to certain circumstances. He stated that the members had initially planned to hold a general meeting at the Vankhosung Mission Centre, but were prevented from doing so by a “village CSO” that labelled the group as an “unrecognised body.” The members subsequently decided to shift their meeting in Wokha Town in order to avoid any unfavourable situation and to maintain peace.

The LBCA members maintained that they have their own constitution and administrative system and described the label of being “unrecognised” as unacceptable. They reiterated that their activities are aimed at addressing administrative and doctrinal concerns within the Association.

Reference was made to a High Court order passed on December 11, 2023, which stated that the government should not intervene in LBCA matters, categorising them as internal issues. The members also noted that a High Court judgment dated November 7, 2025 had maintained a status quo, and expressed concern that a village CSO had issued a directive to the existing LBCA staff to vacate the Vankhosung premises between November 21 and 27, which they viewed as being contrary to the court orders.

The members further stated that their reform efforts began with the formation of a body during a delegates’ meeting held on 5 April 2022 at Okotso Baptist Church, Wokha which was attended by more than 85 churches. Ten points were adopted during the meeting, outlining issues such as alleged constitutional violations, administrative irregularities, procedural lapses in the recognition of new churches, and concerns over the termination of ordained ministers.

LBCA Executive Member Y Chumbenthung Murry stated that the issues within the Association are known to everyone and clarified that the intention behind initiating the LBCA reform movement was not to create division but to restore the principles upon which the elders and forefathers established the Association in 1923. He said the group has been striving for nearly three to four years to resolve the matter.

He observed that despite identifying themselves as Baptists, the challenges continue to escalate because the core Baptist principles and doctrines are not being upheld. He emphasised that nothing stands above the Word of God and noted that both churches and associations are guided by their respective constitutions. According to him, the ongoing issues persist because the constitution of the LBCA is not being followed.

He further stated that if the constitution were adhered to, such problems would not arise. He added that although efforts have been made to resolve the division, the opposing group has yet to come to an understanding, prompting them to continue with their work.

Action Committee Co-Convenor Y Pankathung Lotha highlighted that although Section 163 BNSS had been imposed at the Vankhosung office for several years, the office was opened by the administration, which they considered improper. He also stated that they were not allowed to participate in activities at the Vankhosung church, while another group was permitted to do so.

During the rally, the LBCA group under Rev Nyanchumo Lotha raised four slogans: “We want justice,” “We stand on the Word of God,” “We stand on the Constitution of the LBCA,” and “LBCA belongs to the Lothas.”