DAABPF objects to use of sacred phrase during campaigns

Dimapur Area Ao Baptist Pastors Fellowship (DAABPF) has objected to BJP candidates, workers and supporters for hurting the sentiments of Christians in the State beyond the wildest imagination. DAABPF president pastor Temsu Jamir and secretary pastor Mar Longkumer in a press release said they objected to using the sacred phrase as they saw it as an abomination when used with wrong motive.
It said that the recent singing of “I have decided” by BJP supporters was more than enough to hurt the sentiments of Christians very deeply.
Yet, they noted that party’s workers and supporters continued to mock and rub salt on the wound by shouting slogans “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!” during their election campaign that was utterly disgusting.
They explained “Hallelujah” was derived from two Hebrew words “Hallel” meaning praise and “Jah” or “Yah”, which was a short form of “Yahweh” (God), name of living God. They pointed out that “Hallelujah” was a Hebrew liturgical expression that appeared in the Bible several times.
The pointed out that the Christians used the expressions “Hallelujah!” and “Praise the Lord” as spontaneous expression of joy, thanksgiving and praise God. They insisted that this jubilatory phrase attributed in high reverence to living God could not be used for political goals.
They therefore strongly condemned BJP’s mockery towards the Christians and urged the party’s candidates and workers to refrain from their imprudent attempts to fool the general public by using religious songs and phrases.