Dimapur, February 6 (MExN): The Nagaland Baptist church council (NBCC) expresses sadness and regret over the reoccurrence of what it called the “Naga factional conflicts” that have claimed lives “after a lull of three years.” The NBCC asks all the “Naga political groups” to respect the democratic process, liberty and freedom.
The council issued a copy of what was titled ‘2012 resolutions’, to the media today. The resolutions were taken during the general council of the NBCC in Zeme Baptist Church in Kohima, being held February 4-5.
“(The NBCC) encourages all Naga political groups to respect the democratic process, liberty and freedom in all its forms and encourages different groups to promote lasting peace and harmony in society,” the copy said. The council has called upon all Christians to “exemplify the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ and, as reconciled people, to fulfill the ministry of reconciliation in the world.”
The council said it “rejoices” in the significant efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation in trying to bring together the divided communities ‘to seek forgiveness, genuine reconciliation and mutual respect.’
The ‘resolutions’ also listed a number of other points concerning the council’s activities. The council expressed urgency to the member bodies of the NBCC to render all logistical and prayerful support in making the upcoming Platinum Jubilee a grand success ‘in bearing testimony to the world.’
The NBCC thanks all those who contributed and participated in all form and ways in the meeting of the Baptist organization in Zeme Baptist Church in Kohima during the stated dates. The NBCC prays for God’s continued blessings ‘on the Nagaland Baptist Church Council as we strive to serve Christ by serving His people around the world.’
The council then committed “to pray for the Baptist international speakers and 10, 000 Christians” expected to gather in Kohima, and for those who have leadership responsibilities during the meeting. It also affirms commitment as church leaders both now and in the future, and has called upon its member organizations to nurture and make room for the vision of the NBCC. All affiliate member bodies of the NBCC are urged to strengthen the vision and work of the NBCC in active participation and prayers.
All Christian bodies and churches are invited to the Platinum Celebration Jubilee celebrating “One New Humanity in Christ”, during April 19-22, 2012.
Among other points, the NBCC appreciates the Cabinet of the Government of Nagaland for acknowledging Molungyimsen village in Mokokchung as “Naga Educational Heritage Village”, on March 16, 2011, and subsequently declared on March 19, 2011, as “Christian Pilgrimage village.”
The NBCC also “affirms the sacrifices” of American Baptist pioneer missionaries Dr. Edward Winter Clark and Mary Mead Clark, and all those who followed them as well as the sacrifices of the early Naga Christians.
