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Dimapur, April 30 (EMN): Various church leaders in Dimapur have resolved to support the government in all activities in the fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
The resolution to this effect was taken during a joint meeting of Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) and government officials held at Bishop's House, Dimapur, on April 28. The meeting was called to share concerns, challenges and enhancing possibilities of a strong collaborative mission to combat the pandemic crisis.
It was resolved that CFD would request the church associations to open guest houses and premises for quarantine facilities. As per the needs of the government, churches would take care of accommodating the respective church or community persons in a designated quarantine centre approved by the district administration, an update from CFD stated.
It also resolved that youth and pastors numbering 10-15 would go around different stations and colonies to share the message of love and hope by maintaining physical distance. CDF would also seek permission for 10-15 members to have prayer in the church on Sundays by maintaining social distance.
The update stated that CFD would represent and coordinate the charity and welfare related activities of the churches in Dimapur and also provide volunteers if required by the government.
Besides covering 1900 families with food grains and other items in the first phase of relief service, it resolved that CDF would contact all the church associations to raise fund for achieving the target of 3000 people in the second phase.
Addressing the gathering, CFD vice chairman Rev. Vitoshe Swu opined that the global Covid-19 pandemic was a part of God’s plan to enable them come and work together regardless of churches and denomination for the needy in the society. He added that every church has contributed in their own capacity towards the deserving people/ families.
CFD secretary Rev. Fr. CP Anto highlighted on the activities undertaken by CFD during the crisis in the forms of providing food grains to guest workers, counselling for children and youth, sharing message of love, cooperation with the frontline workers, reaching out to people at quarantine and rehabilitation centres as well as orphanages and charity homes with food items.
Also speaking at the meeting, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi has highlighted on the importance of social distancing and to stay at home during this crisis.
He has also sought the co-operation of the church leaders with the administration and government to fight the pandemic together.
APC and Commissioner and Secretary Y Keketo Sema, while describing Dimapur as the gateway of Nagaland, stated that ‘if Dimapur is safe, Nagaland is safe.’ He added that it an opportunity for the Christians to serve the people.
He further encouraged the church leaders to go beyond the institution and help the needy belonging to various religions and communities.
Secretary of Food and Civil Supplies Honje Konyak and 35 church leaders representing various denominations also attended the meeting.