DIMAPUR, NOV 10 (NPN): The Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA) on Tuesday began the two-day Naga Prayer Summit 2026 at Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur, with a call for unity, spiritual renewal and reconciliation among the Nagas. Around 2,000 people attended the first day of the summit, held under the theme “Oneness in Christ” (John 17:11).
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, convener of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) and emeritus professor at Oriental Theological Seminary, called for a fundamental change in how people perceive and treat one another, cautioning that divisions, exclusiveness and deep-rooted insecurities continued to undermine unity in Naga society.
Referring to Galatians 3:26-29, Aier emphasised that all are one in Jesus Christ, without distinctions based on identity or social standing. He urged people to examine their identity and purpose in Christ, recalling the philosophical saying commonly attributed to Socrates that “the unexamined life is not worth living”.
Aier cautioned that forming opinions about others without examining oneself could lead to prejudice, misunderstanding, oppression and division. He observed that excessive ambition often stemmed from insecurity, as people sought recognition and attention to establish their importance.
On freedom, he stressed that it did not mean the absence of responsibility, but demanded accountability for one’s actions and their impact on others. Emphasising the universal nature of God’s Word, Aier cautioned against restricting Christian faith to particular groups, factions or individual interests.
He described exclusive groups and attitudes of superiority as dangerous, warning that they foster division and oppression.
Drawing attention to social realities, he remarked that apartheid existed within Naga society, pointing to divisions, prejudice and discriminatory attitudes. He also highlighted gender-based discrimination and patriarchal attitudes, besides self-justification and self-righteousness that sought to establish one’s own standing by diminishing others.
Referring to the historical experience of apartheid in South Africa, Aier urged believers to confront discrimination and exclusion within their own society. He said genuine transformation through God’s grace and love must extend beyond individual belief to social relationships, culture and collective life.
Cautioning against privatised Christianity, he said faith must have a social expression and inspire believers to challenge injustice, discrimination and oppression. He called upon the congregation to become agents of positive change and build an inclusive community founded on love, fellowship, mutual acceptance and peace.
The programme was moderated by Rev. Dr. Kevichalie Metha. The opening session featured a worship presentation by Lotha Worship Team Alive 107, invocation prayer by Rev. Dr. Z.K. Rochil, senior pastor of DSBC, and welcome address by Rev. Dr. Yanbemo Lotha, senior pastor of LBC.
The new executive committee was installed by Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, while the intercessory prayer was led by Rev. Dr. Mongzeung Mpom, president of NBPU. The offering was collected for FNBA Ministry, followed by an offertory prayer by Rev. Eshachor Rengma. A special number was presented by the Music Ministry of Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church, and scripture reading was delivered by Honman Wangjan, ES, WBCA. The programme concluded with mass prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. Visor H. Zeliang, president of FNBA.
The newly inducted FNBA Executive Committee for the 2027–2029 term will be led by Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao as president, with Yanbemo Lotha and Rev. Dr. Raimi Rimai as vice presidents. Rev. Dr. P. James and Nukshila Doulou have been appointed recorder and joint recorder, respectively.
The executive committee members are Rev. Dr. Hukashe Zhimo, Rev. Dr. Hotokhu P. Zhimomi, Rev. Izieteilung Terieng, Rev. Dr. Allani Songsir, Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo, Rev. Dr. Athsün Yimchungrü, Rev. Shorhenlo Magh, Rev. K. Robvü, Rev. S. Yoko, Rev. Temsu (ABAM), Rev. Dr. Alem Sangtam, Rev. Dr. C.W. Chingmak Chang, Rev. Tingwangsuibe Daime and Barnabas Chiru.
The six members-at-large are Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, general secretary of NBCC; Rev. H. Kaba Maram, president of CONBAM; Rev. Dr. Thenjamo Tsanglao, president of Dimapur Baptist Pastors Fellowship; Tsüyimla, president of Dimapur Baptist Women Union; Rev. Remember, president of Naga Baptist Pastors Forum Manipur; and Rev. Dr. Mongzeung Mpom, president of Nagaland Baptist Pastors Union.
