Leaders and representatives from various religious traditions during the Interfaith Meet held the Bethesda Higher Secondary School, Dimapur on January 12.
Dimapur, January 13 (MExN): In a significant step towards fostering social harmony, an Interfaith Meet was convened at the Bethesda Higher Secondary School in Dimapur on January 12. The event, jointly organised by the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) and the Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD), brought together leaders and representatives from various religious traditions for a dialogue centred on ‘peace and constitutional values.’
The gathering unanimously adopted a series of resolutions, “due respect for all religions and in full adherence to constitutional values,” stated a press release received here.
The meet condemned all forms of religious violence, intimidation, discrimination, and hatred against any faith community. The forums declared such actions are inconsistent with moral principles and violate the constitutional values of India. It affirmed a commitment to stand with victims through appropriate moral, legal, and humanitarian means and to advocate for justice, accountability, healing, and reconciliation through lawful processes.
Participants resolved to strengthen interfaith solidarity and unity, recognising that harm to any one community affects overall social harmony and national cohesion. The meeting reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the fundamental right to Freedom of Religion, belief, and conscience, and to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and rights of all individuals and communities.
It was unanimously affirmed that no religion advocates violence and that all faith traditions uphold core values such as love, peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity. The meet strongly denounced acts of violence or hatred carried out in the name of religion as distortions of authentic religious teachings that undermine social cohesion.
The gathering stressed the imperative to consistently speak out against all forms of violence, discrimination, and hatred directed at any religious community, without prejudice or selectivity. Speakers underscored that sustainable peace requires moral responsibility, constructive engagement, and firm adherence to democratic and constitutional principles.
Participants reaffirmed that India is a pluralistic nation enriched by diverse religions, cultures, and traditions. They emphasised that in such a context, people of all faiths have a vital role and responsibility to uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and freedom of religion. Interfaith leaders echoed the need for unity in diversity, collective responsibility, and continued interreligious dialogue to strengthen the nation's social harmony and democratic spirit.
The meet appreciated “Nagaland’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and mutual respect,” recognising the state as a positive model of interfaith harmony. The importance of sustaining this legacy and sharing Nagaland’s experiences with other regions through dialogue, education, and cooperative social engagement was also emphasised.
Earlier, the meeting was chaired by Rev Dr Paphino, President, NJCF with invocation by Rev Moses Murry, Secretary, NJCF. Speakers included Khoatele, OM Prakash Jain, Ajay Sethi, A Rehman, Gopal Sharma, Dr Alem, and Dr Fr CP Anto.
