Kohima: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), on Tuesday, declined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s proposal to conduct cleanliness drives at church premises on May 11 as a part of its party’s activities.
While acknowledging the BJP’s gesture, the NBCC emphasised the importance of maintaining a separation between political parties and religious institutions.
The NBCC expressed gratitude for the BJP’s concern for the church but highlighted the need for individuals to cultivate a sense of civic duty, emphasising that such services should be welcomed by all. However, the council declined the offer, suggesting that the BJP redirect its efforts towards other avenues of service.
In a statement, the NBCC raised concerns about religious persecution and social challenges faced by minorities under the BJP rule in India, citing instances of violence and intimidation against Christians.
The council highlighted the vulnerability of religious institutions and cautioned against political interference in religious matters. “We can only remind political parties, specifically the BJP in Nagaland, to exercise caution when issuing directions. Knowing what to say and do, as well as what is acceptable, can help to close the gap that has been growing in our state. Stay as a political party and leave the church to run whatever they see fit within their compounds,” it said.
The council also advised the BJP leadership to mobilise party members to travel to locations to safeguard persecuted churches in the mainland. “This act will undoubtedly give reassurance to people whose churches and institutions are constantly targeted. Their presence will undoubtedly convey the message that we are here to protect and encourage one another,” said the NBCC.
The NBCC said that the decision to decline the cleanliness drive was not a political statement but rather a delineation of the church’s autonomy. The council affirmed its commitment to maintaining church premises and reminded the BJP that the church already had established practices such as Environment Sunday and plantation day for environmental care and observances.
“We will keep silent on the death anniversary of your leader. However, the church needs to clear the air for individuals who might be confused. The church is not accustomed to observing death anniversary except the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The rationale behind this is because, to do so would be to subscribe to the teaching and ideology of the person”, it said.
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“So, a political party cannot impose this to its citizens in a Christian majority society. It would do much good to the community if political parties do not dictate the residents what to observe or when to do things. Political party agenda does not include these issues. Knowing the difference is wisdom,” the council pointed out.
The NBCC advised all churches to remain vigilant against political parties encroaching on religious matters, emphasising the fundamental differences between the authority of the church and the state.
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