While acknowledging the BJP’s concern and offer to clean the church compound on May 11, Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC) has politely declined the offer . NBCC in a joint statement issued by its general secretary Rev Dr Zelhou Keyho and secretary Lipokinba Ao welcomed the BJP’s offer for May 11 while maintaining that civic duty was something everybody should be instilled with.
While declining the BJP’s offer, NBCC instead urged upon it to focus its service to another area.
NBCC reiterated it was a well known fact that the country was faced with unprecedented persecution during the BJP rule where religious and social minorities have faced difficult times in recent decades. It pointed out that Christian pastors and priests were beaten, tortured and imprisoned , thus giving a sense of insecurity in our country. NBCC also pointed out that Christian religious symbols were targeted and worship places even demolished. It also said the Christian gatherings were under surveillance and exposed religious institutions extremely vulnerable.
NBCC said all these were taking place under the nose of those in authority and therefore, it would not be right to accept the offer from a political party whose agenda is to suppress the minority religious and social groups in the country.
NBCC said it has extensively addressed this issue and so further elaboration is unnecessary. It has urged upon political parties, particularly the BJP in Nagaland, to exercise discretion with their directives and let the church manage its affairs within its compounds, while political parties focus on their role.
NBCC suggested to BJP leadership to mobilize members to safeguard persecuted churches in mainland India, offer reassurance and support to targeted communities. It said their presence will convey solidarity and encouragement.
NBCC maintained that its response was not a political statement but that of a church drawing the line of separation.
It also reminded BJP that the church has its own environment Sunday and also a day set aside for plantation, which the church’s youth department across Nagaland are working and will adhere to when the day comes.
NBCC also informed BJP that it will be silent on the death anniversary of its leader. It explained that the church does not observe death anniversary except birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in subscribing to the teachings and ideology of Christ. NBCC reminded that it would do much for community if political parties do not dictate on people what to observe or when to and particularly to citizens of a Christian majority society.
It advised all churches to be vigilant when a political party uses religion as the authority between church and state are different.