Editorial

Spirit of Christian Unity

Opinion | Editorial | John S. Shilshi | 15-May-2022

Across the globe, ecumenical movement is gaining ground as Christian leaders not only realize the futility of division along denomination lines, but also recognize how it defeats the very teachings of Christ and the Bible. However, in complete contrast to this growing global movement, Christian communities in North-East India are often embroiled in avoidable games of one-upmanship, solely with the objective of being the dominant force within a state, a district or even in villages. So much so that some Christian communities, led by their spiritual leaders, sometimes indulge in activities not so Christian-like, rather the opposite of what Christian principles teaches us. There have been instances where dominant Christian groups have disallowed entry of members belonging to smaller denominations, preventing them even from holding prayer services, construction of Church, and even burials. In some extreme cases, villages were declared unilaterally as “Single denomination villages”, which not only makes a mockery of the Christian faith, but also violates constitutional safeguard on religious freedom.

In the backdrop of such suffocating and deplorable denomination-contestation in the region, Arunachal Pradesh - the newest state to accept Christian faith, with most Churches in their nascent stages - provides a lease of freshness and teaches a lesson or two, to their neighboring states who had accepted Christianity decades earlier. Here, one doesn’t see the usual dislike some Christian members nurse for their counterparts in other parts of the region. Instead, we find a spirit of bonhomie between members of different denominations. Differences, if any, remain within comprehensible human limits, not bitter or damning.

In fact, this spirit of Christian unity was much visible, when on April 20, 2022, a reception was hosted by the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association (APCA). The occasion was graced by many Christian leaders representing different Churches, supposedly on their own volition. It was a heartening experience. This ‘Christian camaraderie’ in Arunachal Pradesh was also evident when Mr. Toko Teki, President of Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF), who belongs to the Baptist Church, took the floor to address the impressive gathering. The gentleman did not mince words, nor did he try to deliberately berate other denominations. He was magnanimous to the Catholic Church where necessary, appreciating and outlining some of their good works. At the same time, he was also candid in pointing out few shortcomings, which he felt needed more attention. He placed few genuine concerns to the Bishops of the region, concerns he felt were in the common interest of the Christian community in the state. What an experience!! It was one worthy of people believing in one Christ, albeit with different names and nomenclatures. One really wished that people, who sadly advocate untouchability amongst Christian faithful, were present to witness the bonding.

It needs mentioning that in the backdrop of a fast emerging socio-politico situation in the country, unity amongst Christians is imperative. The need to realize the importance of shared responsibility to uphold the Churches, no matter by whatever name they call themselves, is the need of the hour - to unitedly withstand malicious attempts to trample upon Churches and Christians. Therefore, the cancerous habit of nursing intolerance for other Christian brethren, which is so prevalent in many parts of the region, needs to come to an end and the Arunachal-like sense of ecumenism needs to be encouraged, nurture and proliferated. It must not be forgotten that a divided Christian community is to the mutual peril of all, as it would facilitate forces not keen to see Christianity grow. We wish Christians in Arunachal Pradesh shall continue to impress and inspire, as that will not only be for the good all Christians in the region, but will be a fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s prayer to the father, “that they may all be one” (John 17: 21).

 

 

 

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