Zhabu Terhuja
I read the critical analysis of Dr. E. Renphamo Lotha that appeared in Morung Express on May 11. Beside what appeared on local daily, I saw that his writing was also being distributed to some people.
I felt a bit uneasy as I read through the article because it might give an unhealthy impression to those who have not attended the celebration. On most of the points mentioned, the writer has overstated what actually happened. If it was a critical analysis, we would also certainly anticipate mention of some positive comments. But from the reading one infers that the whole celebration was viewed with a negative attitude. I just would like to refer to few points that Renphamo raised.
1. Separation of Church and State. As a scholar, the writer should not have misspelled the Greek word. But the more important issue here is as to why we say separation of church and state. At different time during the Medieval period, the authority of the Bishop and the King was in contention. There were times when clergies and bishops are appointed by the King, which means, the State. The State paid salary of the bishops, and the Church had to execute what the King said and wished. Chiefly from this context, the policy of the separation of Church and State evolved. I believe the point raised does not relate very well with the celebration.
It was announced that for the building of the Convention Hall, fund was sought from different sources of the Government. But certainly, the celebration was not ‘State sponsored’. The Convention Hall as a project and celebration as a programme are two different matters.
2. Involvement of Government Officers. One thing I often say is that the Church does not belong to us. We belong to the Church. It is the Body of Christ. All those who are washed by the blood of the Lamb make up that Body. Government servants are also our members. Instead of being repulsive, we can rather appreciate the beauty of working together. Our people are still not very efficient in event management. In many cases the bureaucrats have better wisdom and greater experience than the full time Christian workers. If the bureaucrats happened to take the stage and push the others down the floor, then it would be ugly. But one thing I appreciate in the celebration is that in planning and organizing, the bureaucrats worked so hard but they never intended to dominate the stage.
Let me quote again what we often read but do not give much thought on the context: “Not by might, but by My Spirit”(Zec 4:6). This generally is for everybody and the Church, but in the first place this word of God did not come to a prophet or a priest. It came to a Government servant, Zerubbabel, the Governor. The Persian King appointed and entrusted Zerubbabel the task of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. God confirmed his appointment and told him to rely on His Spirit. God requires all in the building of His kingdom through the ministry of the Church.
3. Music. Except the Music session one afternoon, there was no rock, jazz and pop music in the worship services. I am not young now and do not go well along with modern style of music. But after all it was a celebration, and if the youth sing with conviction and in the spirit of praising God, let us understand them that way. I add a point here for the youth that in many praise and worship sessions, I hear lots of praise but find the spirit of worship and reverence void.
4. Financial Integrity. The writer said that there was “no detail financial report at the end of Jubilee celebration. . .” It is a wrong expectation to receive financial statement at an event like that, and it was not done before also. There is Executive Committee and the General Council to receive statement of accounts and audit reports. Those two bodies will do whatever is necessary.
5. Lack of unity of the Associations. I don’t know what led the writer to such comment. I believe all the Associations prepared well, mobilized sufficient delegation to the celebration. All the tribal churches in Kohima prepared arrangement to accommodate as many as would come from their respective Associations. On the whole I met people expressing their happiness.
6. Wrong highlights of Associations. On this point I agree with the writer. It is very clear that proper instruction was not given to the member Associations. We missed what we expected most. Strangely, the few Associations that did well did not receive much applause.
I have my own observation, but whether good points or bad points, sharing publicly might not benefit the common people. I dare not say much lest I be judged a fool. Socrates said, “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something.”
