Guwahati: In an emergency meeting of the United Christian Forum North East India (UCFNEI) held at Guwahati today to review the situation in Manipur, the meeting observed that it is still volatile at the moment, with various groups vying for power and control. This has led to conflicts, violence, arson and loss of life, which have affected the lives of countless innocent people within the state and the region. In such situations, it is essential to promote peace, harmony, and understanding among all communities to prevent further bloodshed and suffering.
The members present believe that prayer is a powerful way forward at the moment to bring people together, to promote unity while appealing for God’s divine intervention and guidance. When people of different faiths come together to pray and evoke God’s blessings for a common cause, they demonstrate their solidarity and commitment to a peaceful resolution. This can create a positive impact on the situation, both on a spiritual and practical level.
Therefore, the United Christian Forum of NEI has appealed to all communities for prayers.
On 7th May Sunday 2023, the UCFNEI has invited all Churches and denominations to join in a collective effort to pray for peace, harmony, and the stopping of all violence and killing in Manipur during the prayer services in their respective churches and fellowships.
By doing so, the members feel that they can collectively contribute to a more peaceful and stable environment in the region and promote a positive change for the better while respecting humanity.
Contact:
Allen Brooks
Spokesperson
United Christian Forum of NEI
Email: [email protected]
The moot question is who are vying for power and control? Is it the church groups themselves? Mr Allen Brook’s statement above suggests so.
A Press statement was signed and released by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath – President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI). The first paragraph of the statement read: “The Catholic Bishops Conference (CBCI) is deeply saddened and shocked to note that at the resurgence of persecution of Christians in the peace-loving state of Manipur. THREE churches and a number of houses have been set on fire and a number of people have been forced to leave.”
Today from a Manipuri friend of mine, I received the following list of 41 churches damaged.
I talked to my friend on phone. She was in tears that her mother and many of her relatives had been attacked and several were injured, even female members are not being spared. She tried her best to evacuate her mother and other female relatives by air but could not. The police it appears are in hand and glove with the Meiteis who are the majority and attacking Christian tribals. The underlying demand is to take away Scheduled Tribe status from tribals who have converted to Christianity. It’s clear even in misery, CBCI differentiates between Catholic churches and her sister churches! CBCI has a very myopic view of Christianity.