The Keyake Tenyimia Union, affiliated with the Baptist Revival Church (BRC) Keyake, has declared its separation from its parent body, BRC Kohima, and will now function independently. The decision was announced in a press statement by Deacon Amos Movi, who detailed the congregation’s history, developments, and grievances during a meeting at the church on Monday.

The BRC Keyake Tenyimia congregation was founded on November 17, 2006 at the BRC Nepali Church, with Sunday services commencing two days later. Pastor Kevi Yhome was appointed by BRC Kohima to lead the new congregation.

A major turning point came on October 8, 2010 when former Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Zhovehü Lohe and his family donated land for a permanent church building in Keyake. BRC Kohima elders visited on October 27, 2010 to bless the construction.

Pastor Yhome was officially licensed by the Baptist Revival Church Council (BRCC) on November 20, 2011 and the new church building was dedicated on December 8, 2011 by Reverend Khrieneilie Sachü. The structure, built by Keneiso Belho included a prayer centre that became operational in 2013.The church celebrated its 10-year jubilee in December 2015 with the Lohe family reportedly donating land three times to support its expansion.

On October 6, 2024 Pastor Yhome resigned. A meeting between BRC Kohima and BRC Keyake leaders on October 8, 2024, addressed misconduct allegations against him, with both parties agreeing to resolve the matter.

Further discussions were held on November 14, 2024 and February 22, 2025 but no resolution was reached. Meanwhile, BRC Kohima assigned Associate Pastor Vilhoubeilie and two deacons to Keyake from December 2024.

On February 19, 2025 the Keyake Tenyimia congregation resolved to operate independently, reaffirming this decision in a joint meeting with BRC Kohima on March 1, 2025. A formal notice was submitted on March 7, 2025.

The Keyake Tenyimia Union strongly refuted recent claims that the church premises were used for immoral activities, calling the allegations baseless. They stressed that the church was built through the sacrifices of its members and condemned attempts to tarnish its reputation.

The union presented documents affirming its ownership of the church property, including a clarification from Zhovehü Lohe. In a 2012 affidavit, Lohe stated he had donated 270 sq. meters (2,906 sq. ft.) of land to Pastor Yhome for the Tenyimia Church near BSF Camp, Kohima. The donation was made to support the congregation, which initially relied on the BRC Nepali Church for worship space.

Meanwhile, Lohe clarified that his family did not charge for the land and did not inquire about the church’s denomination at the time. Subsequent land extensions were also documented. He emphasized that the property is non-transferable and belongs solely to the Tenyimia community in Keyake and those upholding the church’s mission.

The Keyake Tenyimia Union remains committed to its independent ministry, upholding the values and legacy of its founding members.