Dimapur, Nov. 21 (EMN): The alleged ‘taxation’ on a church by members of a ‘Naga national political group’ has attracted the ire and denouncement of the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (Ao Baptist church council) and anti-corruption activists Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (Acaut).
The two organisations issued separate press statements denouncing the ‘tax’ and calling it a disgrace to the dignity of the church.
“Christianity is one religion that is solely based on one’s individual’s decision. Though scripture teaches believers to give to the Lord, the church does not give any diktat to its members for contribution. Church is one organization that runs by free will contribution which is why every individual enjoys his/her faith,” the church reminded.
The organisation stated: “ABAM for the past 146 years has been ministering without any hindrances but, sadly taking cognizance of the taxation to Aoyim Baptist Church building workers in Dimapur; ABAM is disgraced (sic) and irked and feels this as a crime that perpetrates against Christian moral dignity and therefore condemns this disrespectful act.
Further, the organisation stated that the churches under the aegis of the ABAM ‘do not enjoy the account brimful of penny, but minister by faith and with this kind of act by any section of people.’ The church is left precariously under treat if ‘proper curb’ is not taken by the administration, the press release stated.
The ABAM has appealed to all Christians to ‘vigorously stand’ against extortion and give hope to all the churches that no such ‘hazardous activity’ prevail anymore.
Acaut
The Acaut also issued statements reflecting disgust and outrage that the underground groups had begun to extort from churches.
“ACAUT Nagaland is appalled by the depravity that has engulfed the Naga national political groups. They no longer find any wrong in taxing from the church. This is just the manifestation of the rottenness that has become permissive in our present Naga society,” the Acaut stated.
According to the press release, Aoyim Baptist Church had been struggling since last year to construct a new concrete building as the previous bamboo building was no longer able to hold a large congregation. To add to their woes, the Acaut stated, workers of different specific work divisions are taxed at all stages of construction by “most of the shameless factions.” These multiple ‘taxes’ on workers ultimately take a toll on the church’s exchequer, the organisation reminded.
“If the greed of taxation is desecrating the sanctity of the Church, it is a wake-up call to all right thinking Nagas to ponder as to where our society is heading to. Unless the Almighty work within our hearts we are doomed for self- destruction,” the Acaut stated.
“Acaut Nagaland vehemently condemns such an ignominious act and demands an explanation from the higher ups of the said NNPGs.”
