Manipur Situation: Appeal letters to Prime Minister and National Commission for Minorities, India.
TEXT OF APPEAL LETTERS TO
- SHRI NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA; and
- SHRI NASEEM AHMAD, CHAIRPERSON, NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR MINORITIES, INDIA.
Brief Report of Unity Prayer Week: Council of Baptist Churches in North East India observed “Unity Prayer Week”
The Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) together with the rest of the World’s Christian Community commemorated the anniversary of “The Reformation” from January 18-25 ,as Christians around the world come forward to dedicate a week of prayer for “Christian Unity” among fellow Christians and churches all over the world. The theme for this year is “Reconciliation-The Love of Christ compels us” ( 2 Corinthians 5: 14-20).
Today marked the last day of the prayer week and the Rev Dr Solomon Rongpi, General Secretary, CBCNEI led the worship service which began with a hymn followed by responsive readings and meditation. Rev. Dr .Solomon Rongpi in his message exhorted that “Reconciliation and Love among ourselves as followers and as churches will strengthen us in overcoming trials and be united in our hearts for Christ. It is only through forgiveness and love of Christ that can help us destroy the divisions and disunity we have developed in our hearts.”
The offertory prayer was offered for NCCI by Mr Rabin Basumatary followed by candle lighting to signify the acceptance of Christ’s entrusting the reconciled to be ambassadors for Christ and pass on the light to others as we carry on the ministry of reconciliation through our thoughts, words and deeds. This is also to symbolise bearing the light into the dark places of our world or to any place where we are. The service concluded with prayer and benediction offered by the Rev TP Mordecai.
Editor
Baptist News of the CBCNEI
Nagaland church seeks repeal of good governance day on Dec 25
Guwahati, December 6, 2016: Church bodies in Northeast India opposed NDA government’s decision of holding good governance day on Christmas Day on December 25. The church bodies felt that this will hurt the sentiment of minorities.
Church body, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) the decision if not reversed will be discriminatory move against the minorities. Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitu Committee (MKHC), a committee of church leaders in the State has moved President Pranab Mukherjee to repeal the Central government’s decision to observe Good Governance Day on Christmas Day.
NCCI journeying with All India Baptist Fellowship to Promote Women’s Ordination
Young Women Leaders Promoting 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Violence on Women during Baptist Women’s Forum in Odisha.
All India Baptist Fellowship organized a Women’s Forum from 25th – 27th November 2016 in Chandipur Odisha to discuss about the role of women in Church and strategize to promote women’s ordination. 25 key women leaders from 12 Baptist Conventions from Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and North Eastern states attended this Forum . There were women leaders also in this forum who are ordained. According to Mrs .Katie Longkumer- Development Consultant of Council of Baptist Churches in North East India (CBCNEI) and Rev Narola Coordinator of this Forum, “ This is an historic event in All India Baptist Fellowship in its journey to promote partnership of women in ministry.”
Ecumenical Dhorom Sabha 2016 Report
Ecumenical Dhorom Sabha (EDS) was organized by the Santalia Council of Churches (SCC) from October 14 – 16, 2016 at Jidato Mission Compound, Pakur, Santal Parganas, Jharkhand. The theme of the programme was based on Mathew 19:19 Love your neighbor as yourself. The Methodist Church in India (Pakur & Birbhum District) was the official host of this mega event which witnessed a gathering of about 2000 delegates from the three member Churches – Methodist Church in India (MCI), Church of North India (CNI) & Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church (NELC) from Assam, Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand.
The programme officially began in the morning of October 14 with a procession led by a musical band playing hyms, from the Jidato Methodist Church to the venue covering the main road and the market area. This was a great show of unity for Christians when we are going through a time of turmoil because right wing forces are constantly blaming us for conversions. The EDS 2016 was declared open by our Chief Guest Rev. Caesar David from the NCCI through a Ribbon cutting ceremony, after which Flags of all the three Churches were hoisted along with that of the SCC in the venue.
Presbyterian Church of India appreciate COP21 Paris Agreement
The email below was received from Rev. Rolianthanga Lalsim of the Presbyterian Church of India, which is a constituent member of NCCI:
Dr. Roger, members of the media fraternity,
It is my pleasure to send as attachment copy of our fax letter to Honourable Prime Minister, expressing appreciation on India having ratified the COP21 Paris Agreement and which become enforceable from tomorrow, 04/11/2016.
It is hoped that you will share the same through your channel of communication.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Rev. Rolianthanga Lalsim,
Adm. Secretary I/c Peace and Justice,
Presbyterian Church of India”
Press Release – Tamilnadu Churches Commemorating the 500 Years of Reformation.
Press Release.
Tamilnadu Churches Commemorating the 500 Years of Reformation.
The recently held Executive Committee of the Tamilnadu Christian Council in Chennai chaired by Rt. Rev. Dr. M Joseph, President of TNCC has decided to commemorate the 500 Years of Reformation on the theme: “Reformation of the Church for the Renewal Communities”.
This commemoration would be at the inauguration of the next General Assembly of Tamilnadu Christian Council, which is scheduled to be held at Thirukovilur in Tamilnadu from 3 to 4 November 2016 and hosted by the Arcot Lutheran Church.
The agenda of this commemoration includes biblical-theological reflections, ministerial espouses, seminars, conversations and sessions to plan the joint ecumenical actions. The outcome of this commemoration would set an ecumenical-missional agenda for the Churches in Tamilnadu for the near future.
There would be around 100 Church Leaders, Theologians, Mission Workers, Women, Men Youth and Activists expected to participate.
Report: Tamilnadu Christian Council Executive Committee – September 20, 2016
Report of the Tamilnadu Christian Council Executive Committee held on September 20, 2016 at TNCC Office, Guindy, Chennai.
The Executive Committee of the Tamilnadu Christian Council was held on the 20th September 2016 at TNCC Office, Guindy, Chennai.
Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph, the President of TNCC and the CSI Bishop of the Diocese of Madurai – Ramnad presided over the meeting. There were Twenty TNCC – Member representatives and Church leaders officially participated and I (Rev. Christopher Rajkumar) represented the National Council of Churches in India as a General Secretary nominee.
The Meeting was opened with word of prayer by the Rev. Dr. (Mrs.) Nalini Immanuel of the CSI Trichy – Tanjore Diocese. Dr. Esther Kathiroli, the Secretary / Director of TNCC welcomed the Members and Bishop Joseph greeted the members and led a devotion. Rev. Christopher Rajkumar shared the greetings of the National Council of Churches in India and its Officers including the General Secretary and Secretariat.
The proposed agenda contained the constitutional requirements such as receiving the activity and financial reports and approval of budget along with seeking of an approval to convene the next TNCC – General Assembly in November 2016. It was also reported that, the Arcot Lutheran Church has come forward in hosting the same at Thirukovilur in Tamilnadu from 4 to 5 November 2016.
Planning Meeting for ‘500 Years of Reformation Anniversary’ – NCCI, CNI Synod and EKD
The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), Church of North India (CNI) Synod and Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) called the 1st planning meeting for ‘500 years of Reformation Anniversary’ in Delhi on 21st October 2016 at CNI Bhavan.
The Most Rev. P.K. Samantaroy, Moderator, CNI presided over the meeting. Rev. Dr. Paul Swarup, CNI reflected on the history of Reformation, Martin Luther’s role and its relevance in today’s world. Rev. Markus Lesinski, EKD, deliberated over 12 points on the impacts and challenges of the Global Reformation Celebration. Over 22 people from various churches and Christian organizations attended the meeting.
In order to discuss further plans for the celebrations, the next meeting will be held on 21st November 2016 .
Samuel Jayakumar
Commission on Policy, Governance and Public Witness, NCCI
21st September 2016 – International Prayer Day for Peace (An invitation to “Do” and “Practice” Peace)
21st September 2016 – International Prayer Day for Peace
(An invitation to “Do” and “Practice” Peace)
“Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace”(United Nations)
Each year, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21st September. The General Assembly of the United Nations has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals to inculcate the culture of Peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
The World Council of Churches calls Churches and all the faith and peace loving communities to observe the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Observances of the peace prayer day began in 2004 during a meeting between the then WCC General Secretary Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and coincides with the UN International Day of Peace.
Ecumenical news
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