State government has issued an advisory to curb religious congregation during the lockdown period.
In an advisory dated March 31, 2020, the home department stated that since the state was presently under lockdown for 21 days, all kinds of gatherings were barred including religious congregation, which has the potential of easily allowing the virus to spread putting the lives of many at risk.
Reacting to reports of some Churches holding Sunday services involving congregation of big number of people, the home department has once again strongly advised the Churches to completely refrain from holding any religious congregation involving large gatherings during the lockdown period in the interest of public health and safety.
NBCC appeals
Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has called upon executive secretaries/director of Baptist associations under NBCC to direct all their churches, in no uncertain terms, to avoid mass gathering in the Church building until the lockdown was over.
NBCC general secretary Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho thanked God that no one has been confirmed positive with the virus in Nagaland so far.
However, Rev. Keyho said the Church, in this developing situation, cannot be complacent but to remain vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality.
Stating that the effects of the Covid-19 affected everyone in the society, he said “as followers of Christ we need to be exemplary in our social responsibility.”
NBCC general secretary also urged all the churches leaders to take the responsibility to convey the urgency of the situation and the need to act in a more practical way with respect to church life along with prayers and pastoral care.