Akangjungla
When it comes to talking about churches and faith-based organisations, and their social responsibilities, the general attitude has been very cynical. One of the reasons leading to this condition could be the lack of participatory model in the composition and outlook of the church as a public institution. The thread connecting the Church leaders and the local congregation, as suspected by the doubting group of people is that it is not weaved strongly enough to be seen as a significant context for addressing social issues. At the heart of this misunderstanding is the wearing out of the dynamic experiences between the Church and the people, and it could be the consequences of accumulating tension caused by lack of appropriate attention and healthy relationship from both sides.
There is no question of the church’s ability and influence on the consciences of the people; and for the Church, the ability to do so, provides them the potential to engage in contextual ministries centered around the people - both the local congregation and the population in general, including those who argue and criticize the very idea of the church and its performance.
Today, people are struggling with drug addiction in record numbers. In light of the reality of drug abuse reemerging in Nagaland and the neighbouring states, one of the first and foremost collective responses should be to understand and recognise drug and other substance abuse problems as a public, economic, spiritual, and health problem. Almost every society in the Naga perspective uphold the popular opinion that churches and faith-based organisations are better than secular organisations at delivering social services. There is the inclination to get the churches involved in all the social, political, economic and other matter. When we look at the strength and power of influence the churches hold, it justifies this popular opinion; not because it has the materialistic resources but because of the reverence the institution carries.
While the Government departments and other stakeholders are carefully delivering their duty to address the issue of drug abuse, there is an unspoken expectation of pining hope on the church to participate more effectively in the fight against this social menace by taking the responsibility to step in as an instrument of healing, and restoration.
Whatever the Church ought to be, there are hopeful signs that it can be more intentional, not by being theologically qualified, however by engaging relevant insights drawn from real life impressions. The argument and discontent towards the Church need not be seen as a criticism, it should rather create the opportunity for reimagining the responsiveness of the Church to social issues. If it believes in the conviction and purpose to include social responsibility and action dimensions to be part of the church’s mission, it should be reflected in the structures, planning and relationship of the church’s reality.
Comments can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
