Churches and denominations: Different interpretations and disputes

Dimapur, June 16 (EMN): With the growing number of denominations, ‘Christology or theology is not a concern today but there is a growth on pattern of worship which differentiates people and leads to disputes.’
The difference is the ‘ways of interpretation’ of the same Bible and its implementation has led to ‘mistrust’ between denominations.
In such a situation, inter-church dialogue is necessary to maintain mutual understanding.
This was the message of an inter-church dialogue concerning peace building that was conducted in Kohima recently.

The programme was held on June 16 at the Cathedral in Kohima. The program aimed at “enhancing peaceful co-existence among the various denominations in the community, updates stated.

A motivational group, the Peace Channel, issued a press release on Sunday giving updates about the event.
Participants representing various youth and women groups besides church were said to attended the program, the organisers stated.

According to the press release, David Rongmei of the Catechist English Community talked to the participants about the objectives of the ‘dialogue programme.’

Rev. Dr. George Keduolhou Angami, vice principal of St. Joseph’s College at Jakhama in Kohima district was a resource person, the press release stated.

He began with the statement that peace was a youth and inter-faith movement bringing individuals to a common ground for dialogue for peaceful coexistence and harmony in the society.

Angami gave an outline of the aspect of ecumenism, how it evolved and its importance, the press release explained.
The concept “ecumenism” or “ecumenical” evolved to work and promote peace and justice, he said.

With the existing and growing numbers of denominations “Christology or theology is not a concern today but there is a growth on pattern of worship which differentiates people and leads to disputes,” he said.

Fr. Angami said further that one of the reasons “leading to this difference is the ways of interpretation of the same Bible and its implementation which widely varies from ministerial to ministerial.”

“As such when there are differences of interpretations that have led to mistrust between denominations.
Therefore, in such disputes ecumenical dialogue becomes necessary to maintain mutual understanding and harmonious co-existence.”

The speaker advised that individuals in the churches must respect one another and learn to respect each other to achieve ‘fruitful ecumenical cohesion.’

As humans, he said, there will be differences. However, it shouldn’t be the factor leading to disputes, the gathering was told. Individuals should accept more and take initiatives to grow in depth and learn in spirituality by providing each other alternative to think possible to grow, Angami said.

Fr. Angami expressed firm belief that ‘ecumenical’ means unity and one must find spiritual unity by keeping Christ as a focal point.

The church leader said that in order to find a common ground and successful ‘ecumenical dialogue,’ Jesus Christ must be kept the focal point; people need to be sincere to the faith and maintain it, and have mutual ‘pastoral accountability.’

For the successive process one must pursue “dialogue of love” and “dialogue of truth,” he said.
Arhomo C Ngullie, trainer and coordinator at Peace Channel led a demonstration of dialogue and negotiation by inviting some of the participants to the stage.

‘After which he highlighted the importance of dialogue and negotiation towards rebuilding Nagaland. He also presented the objectives, vision and outcome of ecumenical dialogue and peace building in Nagaland,’ the updates added.