Rev Dr V Atsi Dolie
Executive Director,
Angami Baptist Church Council
As a safeguard against the threatening COVID-19 pandemic, and trusting in the judgment and desire expressed by both the Nagaland Government and Medical fraternity, I would like to request the constituent churches of the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC), especially those in urban areas, to take all precautionary measures by temporarily suspending the activities, if necessary, including Sunday worship services. It is learned that the next three weeks will be very crucial to assess this Coronavirus in Nagaland as many of the Nagas studying or working outside have been returning home.
As much as the Office would like to give a uniform directive to all the Angami Baptist Church Council churches, it is difficult to do so owing to the very different contexts our churches are located in. But should the situation demand, church leadership is advised to take even painful and drastic decision of cancelling Sunday services. This is not the time to debate or throw criticism at one another, but to stand together and do all that we can to prevent ourselves from this deadly virus. It will do all of us good if we heed to the Nagaland Government directives and the advice of the medical experts, and inform our members accordingly. Understandably, there are voices of disagreement too, but we should not hesitate to do what is best for the society. Extraordinary time demands extraordinary decision as well.
Down the centuries, faithful Christians exhibited not only their bold faith in Christ Jesus, but also conducted themselves as exemplary good citizens. As responsible citizens of Nagaland, we need to keep the common good of all as our top priority at this critical time. In the event of temporal closing down of all our church activities, we still can convert them into continuing creative worship and prayer at home, as well as other individual or family oriented activities.
Meanwhile, I also would like to appeal to all the doctors and medical personnel under ABCC to keep on educating the people as to how best we can respond to this pandemic together. Rest assured that God is in full control of the situation and His grace is abundantly sufficient in this uncertain time. Let us continue to pray for God’s comfort to those who have lost their loved ones, for His healing upon those who are under treatment, and His protection over all throughout the world.
