(From right) OTS Principal Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, NBCC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his lady wife Kaisa Rio along with others at the 20th anniversary of OTS, Saturday.
Dimapur | November 26: One of the premiere theological colleges in Nagaland, Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) celebrated its 20 years of existence at the seminary premise at Bade village, which was attended by a host of dignitaries including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, church leaders and well wishers.
The Chief Minister in his anniversary greetings congratulated the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for its “dream and vision” for the Naga people in setting up OTS. Rio also congratulated the Principal, teaching faculty and staff of OTS for the sacrifices over the past 20 years and making the seminary a “blessing for everybody.”
He especially lauded OTS Principal Rev. Dr. Wati Aier for the latter’s commitment to impart the highest standard of theological education to the students and also giving so much time and energy for both “undergrounds and overgrounds” to unite and reconcile and to shun violence. “I respect him (Rev. Wati)…Nagas deserve peace because Jesus Christ is the prince of peace. I believe that one day we will have peace in Nagaland,” Rio said.
Commenting on the role of Church, Rio quoted Marin Luther King and said that the Church must remind itself that it is not a master or slave of the State but “conscience” of the State and added that if the Church and its leaders can uphold Christian values, then they can show the best way to the people
Rio also wondered what would be the condition of Nagas if Christianity had not reached the Nagas. He said that it was because of Christianity that Nagas have turned from “head hunting to soul hunting.” “What a transformation,” the chief minister said, echoing the OTS motto “Being transformed to transform.”
OTS Principal, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, who spoke on “20 years of God’s faithfulness”, reminisced on the journey he undertook 20 years as Principal of the seminary.
“Memories are fresh-my faith in God and his clear call; of the NBCC trusting and assuring me of the journey I was about to embark, and this evening of celebration bears the realization that God has such ‘a long reach,’ is a shining testimony to the unchanging faithfulness of Jesus Christ.” Rev.Wati said.
He also said that OTS honestly seeks to experience and live the reality of God’s renewal with each member and the total life of its community, and initiate creative ways to keep fresh that theology is the “Queen of Science” and to learn and educate men and women as servant-leaders who are focused while exhibiting wholesome personalities.
Rev. Wati further said that as the 21st century is increasingly inclined towards moral and religious relativism, OTS’s future will have to focus its attention to the relevance of Scriptures and Jesus Christ amidst a changing world. “This means, OTS must remain ever contemporary without sacrificing our Christian identity,” he said.
General Secretary, NBCC, Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, who delivered the anniversary address also dwelled on the OTS motto and said that unless one is transformed, a person cannot aspire to transform others. “Having experience of the mystery of God and sharing this to others is what theologians should do,” he said. Rev. Keikung also shared his observations on theology colleges in Nagaland.
General Secretary, FNBA, and OTS first board chairman, Rev VK Nuh, and Commissioner, RTI, Bukchem Phom, also addressed the gathering. OTS choir and students presented special numbers on the occasion.
Academic dean OTS, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, chaired the celebration programme. Members of various Naga national groups who are part of the “Naga reconciliation: A journey of common hope” also attended the celebration.
The Chief Minister in his anniversary greetings congratulated the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) for its “dream and vision” for the Naga people in setting up OTS. Rio also congratulated the Principal, teaching faculty and staff of OTS for the sacrifices over the past 20 years and making the seminary a “blessing for everybody.”
He especially lauded OTS Principal Rev. Dr. Wati Aier for the latter’s commitment to impart the highest standard of theological education to the students and also giving so much time and energy for both “undergrounds and overgrounds” to unite and reconcile and to shun violence. “I respect him (Rev. Wati)…Nagas deserve peace because Jesus Christ is the prince of peace. I believe that one day we will have peace in Nagaland,” Rio said.
Commenting on the role of Church, Rio quoted Marin Luther King and said that the Church must remind itself that it is not a master or slave of the State but “conscience” of the State and added that if the Church and its leaders can uphold Christian values, then they can show the best way to the people
Rio also wondered what would be the condition of Nagas if Christianity had not reached the Nagas. He said that it was because of Christianity that Nagas have turned from “head hunting to soul hunting.” “What a transformation,” the chief minister said, echoing the OTS motto “Being transformed to transform.”
OTS Principal, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, who spoke on “20 years of God’s faithfulness”, reminisced on the journey he undertook 20 years as Principal of the seminary.
“Memories are fresh-my faith in God and his clear call; of the NBCC trusting and assuring me of the journey I was about to embark, and this evening of celebration bears the realization that God has such ‘a long reach,’ is a shining testimony to the unchanging faithfulness of Jesus Christ.” Rev.Wati said.
He also said that OTS honestly seeks to experience and live the reality of God’s renewal with each member and the total life of its community, and initiate creative ways to keep fresh that theology is the “Queen of Science” and to learn and educate men and women as servant-leaders who are focused while exhibiting wholesome personalities.
Rev. Wati further said that as the 21st century is increasingly inclined towards moral and religious relativism, OTS’s future will have to focus its attention to the relevance of Scriptures and Jesus Christ amidst a changing world. “This means, OTS must remain ever contemporary without sacrificing our Christian identity,” he said.
General Secretary, NBCC, Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, who delivered the anniversary address also dwelled on the OTS motto and said that unless one is transformed, a person cannot aspire to transform others. “Having experience of the mystery of God and sharing this to others is what theologians should do,” he said. Rev. Keikung also shared his observations on theology colleges in Nagaland.
General Secretary, FNBA, and OTS first board chairman, Rev VK Nuh, and Commissioner, RTI, Bukchem Phom, also addressed the gathering. OTS choir and students presented special numbers on the occasion.
Academic dean OTS, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, chaired the celebration programme. Members of various Naga national groups who are part of the “Naga reconciliation: A journey of common hope” also attended the celebration.
