In this image released to the media, delegates of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) are seen here during its recently concluded Annual Gathering 2011, held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 4-9, 2011. In a historic resolution, the 6 regional bodies and 120 member bodies from 5 continents and 120 countries of the BWA supported a “Resolution on the Naga Reconciliation Process.” The resolution affirmed for Nagas to be “reconciled to one another and to adopt non-violent methods in pursuit of their goals.”
DIMAPUR | JULY 12 : In a significant and global push to “Naga Reconciliation: A Journey of Common Hope,” the Baptist World Alliance comprising of six regional bodies and 120-member countries has resolved to support and strengthen the Naga Reconciliation process. It further affirmed for all Nagas “to be reconciled to one another and to adopt non-violent methods in pursuit of their goals.”
6 Regional Bodies, 120 Member Bodies of BWA back Naga Reconciliation Process
The resolution on Naga reconciliation was among three resolutions passed during the general council meeting of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 4-9.
Addressing a press conference at here at Hotel Saramati on Tuesday afternoon, members of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) spearheading the Naga Reconciliation process also handed copies of the BWA resolutions to media-persons.
The BWA resolution on Naga reconciliation recalled Christ’s pronouncement that “blessed” are those who work for peace (Matt. 5:9), remembered Apostle Paul’s declaration that “God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ…has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18), and reaffirmed Paul’s admonition that “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18).
“We therefore: commend and undergird with our prayers the continuing reconciliation process between the conflicting Naga groups in Northeast India and Burma,” the resolution stated.
The resolution also thanked God for the persistent and courageous witness for peace by FNR, affirmed the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and its leadership for courageously supporting the reconciliation process and calling Baptist brothers and sisters to be reconciled to one another and to “adopt non-violent methods in pursuit of their goal.”
BWA also commended leaders of various civil segments of Naga life and Naga “national parties” for responding to the FNR’s call of reconciliation and the Naga groups who signed the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ (CoR) on June 13, 2009. BWA urged the groups to fulfill the promise of CoR.
Pledging continued prayers and support to all who have committed themselves to peacemaking in the spirit of Christ, BWA also honoured those within the Baptist community and the larger Christian church who through prayer and action, assisted the ministry of reconciliation among Nagas.
“Commend their example to Baptist brothers and sisters around the world who find themselves in conflict with one another,” the last point in the resolution read.
Terming BWA resolution as a “significant and historic” moment for the Naga people, FNR convenor Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that Nagas should feel honoured that among numerous issues, the Baptist family worldwide should single out and focus on Naga reconciliation.
“How Nagas translate this resolution will be of great importance. We hope all Nagas including political groups take it seriously,” Rev. Wati said.
He also made special reference to the last point in the resolution, which reads: “commend their example to Baptist brothers and sisters around the world who find themselves in conflict with one another.” The FNR convenor informed that this point was suggested by a Serbian delegate who wanted the Naga Reconciliation Process experience to be an example and to challenge all those who find themselves in conflict with one another. This resolution, the FNR convenor stated was also a challenge for the Nagas to prove themselves to the international community.
“The challenge in upon us. Are we going to backtrack when others have reposed faith in us? Naga political groups must also take this seriously,” the FNR convenor added.
Asked whether there is a lull in FNR activities back home, Rev. Wati assured that reconciliation as a process is an everyday affair and like a full-time job. “There is no gap…it’s just that we are not publicizing,” he said.
On whether FNR was having dilemma due to recent crisis in the ‘GPRN/NSCN’, the FNR convenor said that in Naga reconciliation, “there are no doors. It is not a kind of method where one is sucked into the other. We are in touch with all...In reconciliation process there is no pick and choose, CoR belongs to all.”
FNR member Neingulo Krome also noted on the constraints of FNR to disclose all its activities and thoughts as “there are so many forces within and outside Naga society adverse to Naga reconciliation.”
“FNR had a humble beginning and we had to face hard times from different corners. But God sustained… Today we rejoice that the world community has come to our support,” said Rev. VK Nuh, the eldest member of FNR.
The other two BWA resolutions relates to “Conflict minerals” in Democratic Republic of Congo and prayer for peaceful transition in the new state of South Sudan.
The regional bodies of BWA include All Africa Baptist Fellowship, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Caribbean Baptist Fellowship, European Baptist Federation, Union of Baptists in South America and North American Baptist Fellowship.
6 Regional Bodies, 120 Member Bodies of BWA back Naga Reconciliation Process
The resolution on Naga reconciliation was among three resolutions passed during the general council meeting of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 4-9.
Addressing a press conference at here at Hotel Saramati on Tuesday afternoon, members of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) spearheading the Naga Reconciliation process also handed copies of the BWA resolutions to media-persons.
The BWA resolution on Naga reconciliation recalled Christ’s pronouncement that “blessed” are those who work for peace (Matt. 5:9), remembered Apostle Paul’s declaration that “God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ…has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18), and reaffirmed Paul’s admonition that “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18).
“We therefore: commend and undergird with our prayers the continuing reconciliation process between the conflicting Naga groups in Northeast India and Burma,” the resolution stated.
The resolution also thanked God for the persistent and courageous witness for peace by FNR, affirmed the Nagaland Baptist Church Council and its leadership for courageously supporting the reconciliation process and calling Baptist brothers and sisters to be reconciled to one another and to “adopt non-violent methods in pursuit of their goal.”
BWA also commended leaders of various civil segments of Naga life and Naga “national parties” for responding to the FNR’s call of reconciliation and the Naga groups who signed the ‘Covenant of Reconciliation’ (CoR) on June 13, 2009. BWA urged the groups to fulfill the promise of CoR.
Pledging continued prayers and support to all who have committed themselves to peacemaking in the spirit of Christ, BWA also honoured those within the Baptist community and the larger Christian church who through prayer and action, assisted the ministry of reconciliation among Nagas.
“Commend their example to Baptist brothers and sisters around the world who find themselves in conflict with one another,” the last point in the resolution read.
Terming BWA resolution as a “significant and historic” moment for the Naga people, FNR convenor Rev. Dr. Wati Aier said that Nagas should feel honoured that among numerous issues, the Baptist family worldwide should single out and focus on Naga reconciliation.
“How Nagas translate this resolution will be of great importance. We hope all Nagas including political groups take it seriously,” Rev. Wati said.
He also made special reference to the last point in the resolution, which reads: “commend their example to Baptist brothers and sisters around the world who find themselves in conflict with one another.” The FNR convenor informed that this point was suggested by a Serbian delegate who wanted the Naga Reconciliation Process experience to be an example and to challenge all those who find themselves in conflict with one another. This resolution, the FNR convenor stated was also a challenge for the Nagas to prove themselves to the international community.
“The challenge in upon us. Are we going to backtrack when others have reposed faith in us? Naga political groups must also take this seriously,” the FNR convenor added.
Asked whether there is a lull in FNR activities back home, Rev. Wati assured that reconciliation as a process is an everyday affair and like a full-time job. “There is no gap…it’s just that we are not publicizing,” he said.
On whether FNR was having dilemma due to recent crisis in the ‘GPRN/NSCN’, the FNR convenor said that in Naga reconciliation, “there are no doors. It is not a kind of method where one is sucked into the other. We are in touch with all...In reconciliation process there is no pick and choose, CoR belongs to all.”
FNR member Neingulo Krome also noted on the constraints of FNR to disclose all its activities and thoughts as “there are so many forces within and outside Naga society adverse to Naga reconciliation.”
“FNR had a humble beginning and we had to face hard times from different corners. But God sustained… Today we rejoice that the world community has come to our support,” said Rev. VK Nuh, the eldest member of FNR.
The other two BWA resolutions relates to “Conflict minerals” in Democratic Republic of Congo and prayer for peaceful transition in the new state of South Sudan.
The regional bodies of BWA include All Africa Baptist Fellowship, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Caribbean Baptist Fellowship, European Baptist Federation, Union of Baptists in South America and North American Baptist Fellowship.
