NJCF warns of growing moral decay

DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) has expressed deep concern over what it described as the growing moral decline, sexual abuse, abuse of power and corruption in both society and the Church, and called for stronger action to restore moral accountability and uphold justice.
In a statement, NJCF president Rev. Dr. N. Paphino and secretary Rev. Moses Murry said recent incidents, including the alleged rape of a minor and an elderly woman by persons in leadership positions and law enforcement personnel, as well as cases of sexual abuse within the Church, had brought shame to society and weakened the Church’s moral authority.
NJCF urged churches to publicly condemn such acts, remove offenders from church membership through excommunication, and allow the law to take its course. It stressed that the Church should prioritise justice, victims’ safety and legal accountability over institutional reputation or face-saving reconciliation, while making it clear that forgiveness should not exempt offenders from legal consequences.
(Full text on p-6)