A rally of solidarity for the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) was organized by the Lotha Baptist Youth Leaders Forum (LBYLF), and held on May 15 at Vankhosung Ground. However, due to heavy rainfall, the event was later shifted to Wokha Village Baptist Church.
The rally was aimed at promoting peace and unity amid the ongoing dispute within the LBCA. Convenor of the Lotha Baptist Youth Leaders’ Forum (LBYLF), Chenirao Jungi, clarified that the rally was organized solely to address the ongoing division within the churches. He emphasized that the matter concerns the entire Lotha community and that a resolution is urgently needed to restore unity within the LBCA.
He also refuted rumours suggesting he was influenced by certain pastors, affirming that the rally was carried out peacefully and independently, without pressure from any group. With three years having passed without any progress and the elders yet to take action, he explained that the youth have decided to step in for the future of the Lotha people, firmly believing that there should be only one LBCA. He added that the participating youths came from various groups but united under a single purpose to bring peace. According to him, the younger generation is weary of the ongoing division and is determined to find a lasting solution.
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During the program, the LBYLF submitted a formal appeal addressed to the executive secretary of both the parties. The appeal, highlighted the challenges faced by Lotha Baptist youths due to the ongoing division. It stated that the youth are bearing the brunt of the disunity, experiencing roadblocks in both their social and spiritual lives. The LBYLF, speaking on behalf of the future generation, urged the LBCA leadership to ensure an amicable resolution at the earliest, expressing full confidence in their ability to do so. The appeal further stated that the LBYLF cannot remain silent until all churches are united under one LBCA and the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).
The letter was also copied to several key stakeholders including the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council, all pastors of Lotha Baptist Churches, the Lotha Baptist Pastors Conference, Lotha Hoho, Lotha Eloe Hoho, Lotha Officers Forum, LSU, and filed for record.
The program witnessed solidarity speeches from various speakers, followed by a mass prayer session during which the youths knelt in earnest prayer, at Vankhosung seeking healing and unity within the LBCA.
The event concluded with a peaceful rally reaffirming the youth’s commitment to unity, healing, and reconciliation.
