DIMAPUR — In a latest development surrounding the imbroglio within the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), the LBCA (majority), in a delegates meeting held on August 13 at UBC Doyang, Wokha resolved, through a vote by 105 churches, that, henceforth, the majority group of the LBCA will function on its own.
In the meantime, it was stated in a press statement that the leadership of the LBCA will continue to reach out to other churches to join the “mainstream LBCA group,” and any churches, be they from the minority faction of the LBCA or the neutral churches, willing to join the LBCA in the near future will be wholeheartedly welcomed.
Providing a sequence of events and circumstances, the statement, signed by Nyimshio Mozhui, convenor of the Action Committee for LBCA, Y Bankathung Lotha, co-convenor and Mhonchumi Humtsoe, secretary, mentioned that the Guwahati High Court judgement and order dated December 11, 2023, has also clearly stated that the issue of the LBCA is an internal matter and any disputes amongst the members of the society can only be decided as per the memorandum/byelaws laid down by the society.
It further said that any individual or groups or associations from within the LBCA leadership/members or from outside, including the NBCC, trying to interfere, mettle or act against the resolution of the LBCA delegates shall be viewed and retaliated seriously, and any eventuality arising out of the issue, the individual concerned or the association shall be held responsible.
The statement mentioned that on July 5, the LBCA (majority), at its delegates meeting at Hajung Baptist Church, Sanis, adopted a resolution to work for a reconciliation process one more time. Accordingly, a nine-member committee was formed to initiate the reconciliation process.
The committee on July 9 sent a letter to the LBCA (minority) for a meeting on July 26 at Hammock Resort, Wokha. However, the minority group on July 19 sent a letter to the LBCA (majority) for a meeting on July 24 to be held at Hotel Saramati in Dimapur.
Subsequently, a telephonic conversation with the office bearers of the LBCA (minority) on August 1 was held and they mutually agreed for a meeting to be held on August 6 at Tourist Lodge in Dimapur. During the telephonic conversation, both parties also agreed not to send any official letter to one another for the meeting. However, on August 1, the minority group dispatched a letter to the LBCA for a meeting at Tourist Lodge Dimapur.
Accordingly, the statement claimed that the nine-member committee, on August 13, submitted a report at the LBCA delegates meeting on the non-accomplishment of the reconciliation process.
“All these years, the LBCA, in letter and in spirit, has shown sincerity to the parties concerned for reconciliation. However, on all occasions and in the recent past as well, the LBCA (minority) has never shown any sincerity and seriousness towards reconciliation,” it read.