Kohima bishop calls for solidarity prayer

Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, in a circular issued on June 14, called upon the priests, religious and lay faithful in the diocese to pray for peace in Manipur

DIMAPUR — Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, in a circular issued on June 14, called upon the priests, religious and lay faithful in the diocese to pray for peace in Manipur. He has issued the circular in compliance to the call for an ecumenical solidarity prayer made by the North East India Regional Bishop’s Council (NEIRBC) along with Assam and Northeast Christian Forum.

“It’s been more than 40 days since the unprecedented violence and unrest that began on May 3 that has led to loss of lives, burning and destruction of houses and churches, looting and vandalising of properties, displacing and rendering thousands of people homeless. There is complete collapse of the constitutional machinery in the state. Summarily, there is fear, uncertainty and a general sense of hopelessness and desperation. Human efforts do not bear desired fruit unless blessed by God’s grace,” the bishop stated.

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He has referred to the path-breaking encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’ in which Pope Francis unequivocally said, “For these reasons, the church, while respecting the autonomy of political life, does not restrict her mission to the private sphere. On the contrary, she cannot and must not remain on the side-lines in the building of a better world.”

The bishop has specifically proposed to organise a special prayer service during the school assembly on June 23 for peace and harmony and for a timely, amicable and permanent solution to the burning problems of Manipur.

He has also requested to organise prayer services, peace rallies, candlelight procession, silent procession on June 24 and 25 in their respective state capitals, dioceses, districts, parishes, localities etc. to express solidarity with all the suffering sisters and brothers of Manipur.

“We shall not be afraid to take risk, stand up for justice and be torch bearers in creating an environment of peace and harmony in the region. May the Lord bless us all with everlasting peace so that we may live as one family of God,” the bishop stated.

Also read: All out efforts to bring back peace in restive Manipur; Nagaland CM appeals for peace