Partisan politics: Nagaland Baptist Church asks members to resign

By Matters India Reporter

Dimapur, March 10, 2023: A Baptist group in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland has asked its members, who have been involved in partisan politics during the recent assembly elections, to resign from their ministerial responsibility before it initiates inquiry.

In a letter, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) reminded pastors, pastoral staff, deacons and designated church workers of the Baptist polity of the Separation of Church and State.

It stated that the church workers “whether pastor or deacon, or anyone who holds the sacred office of the church,” has his or her own jurisdiction of involvement.

“Complaints have been received that some who are currently holding the office of the church have involved in partisan politics violating both the election code of conduct and CCEM (Chakhesang Clean Election Movement) Guidelines during the last general election and thereby tarnished the image of the church of Jesus Christ,” the letter says.

“Therefore, those of you who have deliberately involved in such restricted activity by the church, we sincerely appeal you to voluntarily resign from your ministerial responsibility in the church before the church initiates inquiry on your involvement. In doing so, you’ll be doing a favor to the church and find a way forward for forgiveness from the gracious Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ,” the letter adds.

Stating that an opportunity of self-surrender and repentance has been offered to the erring persons, it expressed hope that the appeal will be heeded.

CBCC has also asked its members not to bring in election money as offering to the church.

Nagaland, with a Christian population of 87.9 percent, on February 27 elected its 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The results were declared on March 2, with a coalition of the Hindu nationalist party Bharatiya Janata Party and a regional party, winning 37 seats.

The Chakhesangs are a major Naga ethnic group inhabiting Nagaland. They were previously known as the former Eastern Angamis, now recognized as a separate ethnic group. The Chakhesangs are divided into two groups known as Chokri and Khezha. The name “Chakhesang” was created as an acronym from the names of three ethnic groups: the Chakrü (Chokri), Khezha and Southern Sangtam (now Pochury).

Most of the villages fall within Phek District of Nagaland. Two Chakhesang villages (Jessami and Soraphung/Krowemi) are located in the Ukhrul district of Manipur.