Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressing Quinquennial conference of the ABCC in Kohima on January 19. (Morung Photo)
ABCC Quinquennial conference concludes
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 19
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today quashed rumours about his health circulating on various platforms and assured everyone that, by the grace of God and the prayers of the people, he is doing well.
Addressing the two-day long Quinquennial Conference of the Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC), which concluded today at Khuochiezie (Kohima Local Ground) under the theme “Arise, Shine,” Rio also expressed gratitude for the concern and urged the gathering to continue praying for all leaders.
The CM also noted that there are many associations and organisations today, but one common platform that brings everyone together is the Christian religion, where Nagas worship the Lord together.
He expressed hope that Nagas would continue to be protected through “our spirituality and our prayer,” despite the unresolved issues, calamities, and problems that continue to overshadow the nation.
On a political note, Rio stated that the political movement continues to remain unsolved.
He called upon leaders from various forums to “rise above our situations and work with farsightedness and a broad perspective” and urged them to become the voice of the Nagas so that grievances can be strongly addressed in Parliament and beyond.
Meanwhile, according to AIR News Kohima, Rio also called for a collective voice from the public and tribal bodies to oppose the re-imposition of the Protected Area Regime (PAP).
He highlighted that the State Cabinet had recently decided to appeal for a review of the decision, emphasising that Nagaland is currently in a peaceful state. He also mentioned that he had previously raised the issue at a DoNER meeting.
Rio further noted that Nagaland's record of having the lowest crime rate, being the safest state for women, and attracting lakhs of tourists could be adversely affected if the PAP is re-imposed.
Sharing greetings, Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho, General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), said, "Today, as we aim beyond us, the time has also come to put our house in order. The time has come to look around our neighbourhood."
The church has a choice to keep worshipping in our own comfort zone, within the confines of four walls, and turn a blind eye to the ministry in our neighbourhood, he said.
He also stressed that the church has a choice to celebrate its glorious past or move forward to new territories in the power of the Spirit.
"A gathering such as this must make the body smaller and the head bigger. To the Corinthians and to the Colossians, Paul said, we are the body and Christ is the head. The body must function proportionate to the head. If the body becomes too big, the head will be misplaced," he said.
Rev Dr Rachülie Vihienuo, Executive Secretary of ABCC, spoke on the topic “The Church of Christ: Renewed to Impact,” while Rev Dr Ashok Andrews, Pastor of Kolkata Bible Church, spoke on “The Church of Christ: Arise, Shine” during the morning and evening services, respectively.
Earlier, Rev Dr Kevichalie Metha, Convenor of Krodi Kehou, delivered the welcome address.
