The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum will hold a religious freedom rally in Kohima on September 12, opposing proposed FCRA amendments and calling for religious liberty and secular democracy.
KOHIMA — The Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF) will organise a rally for religious freedom at Khuochiezie Local Ground, Kohima, on September 12 at 11 am, calling for the preservation of freedom of conscience, religious liberty, secularism and the service mission of the Church.
Rev. Dr. Ruokuovilie Sachü, co-convenor of the organising committee, in a video message, said the rally was being organised amid what he described as growing concerns over Christian persecution and religious freedom in India.
Referring to Karl Marx’s observation that history repeats itself, Sachü said incidents that were once studied as accounts of persecution of Christians in the early Christian era were now becoming realities in contemporary India.
He said the situation had reached a point where the faith of Christians in Jesus Christ was at stake, and called on believers to wake up, stand up and take up their cross and follow Jesus.
According to Sachü, the NJCF, comprising different Christian denominations in Nagaland, had come together to organise the rally with a call to oppose the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and defend secular democracy. He said the rally would convey to the Government of India that the Constitution was founded on religious freedom and that people should be able to practise their faith without discrimination.
Sachü also said Christians should not be prevented from worshipping Jesus Christ or be compelled to participate in religious practices involving idols or praise of other deities in schools, offices and public gatherings.
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He urged Christians to stand against the proposed FCRA amendments, warning that failure to speak up today could have implications for future generations.
Calling on believers, young and old, to participate in the rally, Sachü said their presence would serve as a testimony of their faith. He also encouraged participants to bring a traditional touch to the march to the venue.
The rally will feature a keynote address by Rev. Dr. N Paphino, president of the NJCF.
Speeches will be delivered by Bideno Kikon, secretary, Christian Education, NBCC; Toshi O Longkumer, advocate, Gauhati High Court; Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima; and Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, former general secretary, NBCC.
Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, convener of the organising committee, will lead the intercession and reading of the memorandum. The memorandum is expected to be submitted to the government.