Nagaland: LBCA 103rd conference resolves unity

The two-day 103rd annual conference of the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), hosted by Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar ‘B’, concluded Sunday with the adoption of a resolution calling for unity among the Lothas in 2026 in the spirit of forgiveness. The resolution was passed through a show of hands and followed by a prayer for continued unity led by Zanbemo Kithan, pastor of Yikhum Baptist Church.
Delivering greetings on the second day of the conference, Achumbemo Kikon, MLA of 40 Bhandari A/C, said that although people seek the Lord, they have failed in their daily lives. Referring to divisions among the Lotha churches, he remarked that “we have gone down; we are like a broken bridge that needs major repairing.”
He cautioned that when the church is broken, everything else breaks as well, including the political sphere. According to him, the spiritual and daily lives of the people have been affected because many church leaders have failed to live up to their commitments. While Reverends and Pastors are deeply respected, he said they have not been able to lead the congregation forward.
Achumbemo expressed happiness over reconciliation between the churches but questioned whether it was merely for face-saving, though he acknowledged it as the grace of God.
He reminded the congregation that there is no neutrality and that one must choose between God and the devil.
He further stated that many church leaders have reduced God to a “babysitter,” carried around in their bags, which he described as the lowest stature. He cautioned that when one church goes wrong, everything is lost. Unlike political parties, every person is a member of the church, and therefore leaders must heed God’s warnings as mentioned in the book of Jeremiah.
Theme speaker, Rev. N.L. Kithan, pastor of Samyan Baptist Church, in his message said that when people seek wealth and richness, the search for God decreases.
He warned that when the fear of the Lord departs from the heart, wrongdoing takes over and destroys lives. Speaking on the life of Jeremiah, he said God calls people to stand firm with faithfulness and patience during turbulent times, which ultimately yields good reward.
Meanwhile, LBCA elected a new executive team headed by Rev. S. Rentsamo Kithan, pastor of Nungying Baptist Church, as president and Nonghothung Kikon, associate pastor of Wokha Yan Baptist Church, as vice president.
On the occasion, LBCA bade farewell to women secretary Meribeni Ngullie Kikon, with a prayer led by LBCA executive secretary Rev. Dr. Renbi Rangthang. The congregation also approved the LBCA budget for 2026, followed by a prayer from Rev. C. Ramongo Ezung, pastor of Longsachung Baptist Church.
A blessing prayer for the host church, Lotha Baptist Church Diphupar ‘B’, was pronounced by Rev. S. Rentsamo Kithan. The programme, chaired by Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha, pastor of Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, began with an invocation by Rev. O. Yibomo Ngullie, pastor of Okotso Baptist Church. Offertory was said by Nonghothung Kikon associate pastor of Wokha Yan Baptist Church, scripture reading by N. Chenithung Odyuo, associate pastor of Nungying Baptist Church, and benediction by Rev. Dr. K. Benry Lotha, senior pastor of Kohima Lotha Baptist Church.
Vote of thanks was delivered by R. Jomithung Lotha, pastor of Yanthamo Baptist Church.