Nagaland churches reaffirm freedom to propagate religion

The apex body of Baptist churches in Nagaland has reaffirmed the freedom to choose and propagate religious beliefs without allurement or threat.
The affirmation was made during a four-day 20th triennial convention of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) under the theme, "In Step With The Spirit," which concluded yesterday at Konyak Baptist Church Council (KBBB) Mission Centre, Mon district, some 336 kms from the state capital.
The convention adopted resolutions which include reaffirmation on freedom to choose and propagate religious beliefs without allurement or threat, a NBCC release said.
The convention also resolved to strengthen commitment to the Christian faith by conducting Bible study, revival meetings and care ministry in line with the theme of the convention, the release said.

The drafting committee had drawn up the resolution against the backdrop of spiritual decadence and rise of various other social evils that pose a threat to the church.
The committee noted that Nagas practiced indigenous faiths in the pre-Christian era, but were not Hindus as being portrayed, the release said.
In this regard, the NBCC would hold fasting and prayer meetings in all churches on February 28 to be followed by a rally across Nagaland, the release said.
The rallies would end with submission of a memorandum to the Government of India with a copy to the State Government to condemn recent forced 'conversion or re-conversion' and vandalism on churches and persecution of Christians across India, the release said.