Bishop appeals for peace and harmony

Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, has requested the churches to pray for the peace in Nagaland particularly on the current communal feud between two tribes in Tuensang. The Bishop made the appeal during dedication service of the renovated Holy Redeemer Church in Tobu on February 15.
Expounding on the teaching of Jesus Christ who said that by ‘our love and service we will be known as his disciples,’ the Bishop questioned as Christians if we can be silent on corruption, killing of the innocent, tribal and other feuds and also tolerate the killing of the innocent and the suffering caused to the innocent people?
Elucidating from the life of Jesus who forgave his enemies, the Bishop said, “We seek God’s pardon and we are called to pardon and forgive one another.”
Perturbed by the political and social scenario, the Bishop asked if we are close to God and offering true worship. Stating that the happening around us is contrary to Christian faith and belief, the Bishop remarked that often times we are only Christian by name.
The Bishop has appealed to all to forgive one another and begin a new chapter in Christian life. “Let us not build only the external church, but build up the internal church; a church that will last for eternity, a church in which we offer true worship in spirit and truth,” the Bishop appealed. 
He said every Christian is a living church, the temple of the Holy Spirit and that the external worship we make in the church should be a sign and symbol of our internal worship of life and actions otherwise our worship will be only that of the lip service, not worship in spirit and in truth.
The Bishop also pointed out to the concelebrants, Frs. Benjamin Chang, Thomas Yimchunger, Isaac Sema, Ashikho Mao, Joseph Kath, all from Nagaland, Fathers from Chittishgarh, Kerala and Assam as clear example of the unity and universality of our Christian faith. He said our live will be happy when we live in love and unity.
Bishop with Fathers visited also St. Thomas Church in Tuensang and prayed for the peace and amicable settlement between two tribes.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Sivi, the parish priest, Tobu, accorded the words of welcome to the Bishop, Fathers and Sisters and leaders from different churches, public leaders and the invited guests.