NJCF seeks exemption for church vehicle stickers

DIMAPUR, MAY 18 (NPN): Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has appealed to the state government to permit the use of identification stickers, logos and glass markings on church vehicles for security and identification purposes.
In a memorandum addressed to the advisor of Transport, NJCF president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino and general secretary Rev. Moses Murry said church vehicles used by pastors, church workers and different departments of churches and Christian organisations required proper identification, particularly during ministry-related duties, emergency services and late-night travel. While stating that despite their failures, the church has been at the forefront in many critical situations.
The forum stated that Nagaland, being a Christian-majority state, has deep social and cultural association with the Church, adding that church symbols and names on vehicles should not be misconstrued as status symbols.
Referring to the recent government order directing removal of displays of church names and faith symbols from private vehicles, NJCF said the directive appeared “unreasonable”, especially in the case of vehicles officially used for church and ministry purposes.
The forum maintained that display of church names or faith symbols on vehicles served primarily as identification marks for church-owned conveyances and not for personal status or privilege.
Nagaland Joint Christian Forum further pointed out that churches in Nagaland operate numerous vehicles for pastoral care, outreach programmes, transportation of clergy and church workers, conventions, funerals and emergency relief activities.
It said clear identification of such vehicles had become increasingly important for security, accountability and smooth movement, particularly during late hours and large gatherings.
Nagaland Joint Christian Forum urged the Transport department to permit use of official church identification stickers or logos on front and rear windshields of vehicles owned or officially used by registered churches and Christian organisations.
It also requested the government to allow standard markings such as “Church Duty”, “Pastor”, “Church Worker”, or the name of the church or organisation on vehicle glass for easy identification by traffic personnel, police and the public.
Further, Nagaland Joint Christian Forum appealed to the department to issue necessary guidelines to district transport authorities and traffic police so that genuine church vehicles are not inconvenienced during routine checks, especially during night services, funerals and emergency pastoral visits.
The forum said such identification would enhance security of pastors and church workers travelling at odd hours, help prevent misuse of church vehicles and reduce misunderstandings during traffic management at large Christian gatherings.
NJCF assured that churches would ensure responsible use of such identification and, if required, submit details of authorised vehicles to the department.