For the first time in 25 years, a church service would be held on Sunday December 8 as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
The message for the service will be brought by Rev Zelhou Keyho, adviser to the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) and general secretary Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).
NJCF vice-president Rev Dr Vevo Phesao will lead the service, while invocation will be led by NJCF joint secretary Rev Fr Dr George Rino. NJCF treasurer Khontele Seb will give the benediction. Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church, Kohima, Nagaland Chamber Choir, Khedi Baptist Church, Kohima Village, Live Voice, CRC Viswema, Bethesda AG Church would be performing songs during the service.
It may be noted that at the small church near the gateway, various praise and worship groups have been holding sessions on the sideline of the Hornbill Festival. This has attracted many tourists, mostly believers including local and non-local.
Meanwhile, speaking to Nagaland Post, Rev. Keyho opined that the Sunday service will demonstrate to the world outside that the Nagas value not only their culture and traditions but also their faith. Dr.Keyho appreciated the state government for embracing the ethos of culture and faith as it was essential for the Nagas to show the visitors that religion remained a top priority for them.
When asked about the topic for the sermon, D. Keyho informed that he planned to speak on the meaning of Christmas as it would be a topic that would not offend anyone.
Asked to comment on the government partially relaxing the Nagaland Liquor (Total Prohibition) Act as it allows flow of both local and Indian made foreign liquor in the state, Dr. Keyho emphasised that though it may seem important to adopt a positive outlook, yet expressed concern over the possible implications of the partial lifting of the prohibition.
He said that regardless of the partial lifting of the NLTP Act, alcohol was widely available, but open sale was a new phenomenon. He said many youth were consuming taking alcohol, which could lead to serious issues.
Dr. Keyho also disclosed that he has received numerous complaints from other church bodies, with mixed reaction to proposed partial relaxation of the Act.
He stressed that it was crucial to recognise the worsening situation, which made events like the upcoming Sunday service all the more important.
He however clarified that the church would not condemn those who support partial relaxation but would focus on the love of Christ and heralding of the Christmas. He stressed that the church wanted to bring a positive change by discouraging and not condemning people from consuming alcohol.