An Interfaith Meet was held on 12 January 2026 at the Bethesda Higher Secondary School Hall, Dimapur. The programme was jointly organised by the Joint Christian Forum Nagaland (JCFN) and the Christian Forum Dimapur, bringing together leaders and representatives of various religious traditions to engage in dialogue on peace, social harmony, and constitutional values.
A press release by Fr. Dr. C. P. Anto stated that the meeting was chaired by Rev. Dr. Paphino, president of JCFN, who outlined the objectives of the gathering and highlighted the importance of interfaith understanding, peaceful coexistence, and the shared responsibility of religious communities in nurturing harmony within a pluralistic society.
The interfaith leaders in the programme strongly echoed the need for unity in diversity, collective responsibility, and continued interreligious dialogue to strengthen social harmony and the democratic spirit of the nation.
The invocation was led by Rev. Moses Murry, secretary of JCFN, who reflected on contemporary challenges faced by religious minorities in certain parts of India and emphasised dialogue, non-violence, and constitutional means as the path forward.
The gathering stressed the need to speak out consistently against all forms of violence, discrimination, and hatred directed at any religious community, without prejudice or selectivity. Speakers underscored that sustainable peace requires moral responsibility, constructive engagement, and firm adherence to democratic and constitutional principles.
Several speakers, including Khoatele, O.M. Prakash Jain, Ajay Sethi, A. Rehman, Gopal Sharma, and Dr. Alem, Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto highlighted the duty of religious leaders and citizens to uphold the Constitution of India and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), especially those relating to freedom of religion, belief, conscience, equality, and human dignity. The participants noted that constitutional values and universal human rights provide a common framework for peaceful coexistence in a diverse nation like India.
The members reaffirmed that India is a pluralistic nation enriched by diverse religions, cultures, and traditions. In such a context, people of all faiths have a vital role and responsibility to uphold the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, and freedom of religion.
Participants appreciated Nagaland’s long-standing tradition of religious tolerance and mutual respect, recognising the state as a positive model of interfaith harmony. The importance of sustaining this legacy and sharing Nagaland’s experiences with other regions through dialogue, education, and cooperative social engagement was emphasised.
The meeting concluded with a collective understanding that ongoing dialogue and cooperation among faith communities are essential for maintaining peace and harmony at state, regional, and national levels. The organisers expressed sincere appreciation to all participants for their constructive contributions and commitment to interfaith understanding.
After deliberation, the Interfaith Meet unanimously adopted the following resolutions, with due respect for all religions and in full adherence to constitutional values: The meeting condemns all forms of religious violence, intimidation, discrimination, and hatred against any faith community. Such actions are inconsistent with moral principles and violate the constitutional values of India.
The forum affirms its commitment to stand with victims through appropriate moral, legal, and humanitarian means and to advocate justice, accountability, healing, and reconciliation through lawful processes.
Participants unanimously affirmed that no religion advocates violence and that all faith traditions uphold core values such as love, peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human dignity. Acts of violence or hatred carried out in the name of religion were strongly denounced as distortions of authentic religious teachings that undermine social cohesion.
The participants also resolved to strengthen interfaith solidarity and unity, recognising that harm to any one community affects social harmony and national cohesion. The meeting reaffirms its commitment to uphold and defend the fundamental right to freedom of religion, belief, and conscience, and to safeguard the dignity, safety, and rights of all individuals and communities. The meeting ended with a prayer by David Khobung.