Nagpur: A Naga Baptist leader has taken over as the president of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) that accounts for 14 million Christians in the country.

Rev Mar Atsongchanger is the first person from northeastern India to head the council that comprises 30 Protestant and Orthodox Churches. Its members also include 17 regional Christian councils and 24 other Church related ecumenical bodies.

Rev Atsongchanger is the secretary of Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM, Ao Baptist Church Association), which is the largest Baptist Association affiliated to the Nagaland Baptist Church Council. It has 157 full-fledged churches and 10 fellowships. The convention had 98,724 baptized members in 2012.

The New NCCI president will continue to hold the post of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).

Rev Atsongchanger was earlier the secretary of NCCI´s communication and public relations department.

The new president was elected during the NCCI general body meeting at Nagpur on March 17.

During the meeting, Rev Atsongchanger released two books. One is titled as ‘Relating with Hindu Diaspora’ published by NCCI – Commission on Unity, Mission and Evangelism. Martha Marwin, member, NCCI Working Committee received the first copy.

The other book titled as ‘Faiths Against Homophobia’ is jointly edited and published by NCCI Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation. Rev. Fr. Aswin Fernandis, chairperson of Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation received the first copy.

The general body applauded the Church of South India for initiating a dedicated ministry for Persons with Disabilities as DISHA.(Disability Intervention for Solidarity and Holistic Accompaniment). CSI general secretary Bishop R. Sadanandha was presented bouquet.

The meeting also appreciated United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in India for appointing a transgender for its Gender Programs.