Chakhesang church warns against heretic influence, ‘secular’ traps

Christians advised not to practice Yoga

Dimapur, Jan. 21 (EMN): The Chakhesang Baptist church has warned against subtly-working ideologies which, in both ‘secular’ guise and overt dogmatic heretical teachings—including the Hindu “health” discipline Yoga—are slowly corroding the sanctity of the Christian faith.

The community’s church has assured its resolve to fight against such ideological forays by heretical elements.

The 67th general council of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) was held at the organisation’s mission centre at T Chikri in Pfutsero. The event was hosted by the Baptist Theological College, during Jan. 19-21 with the theme “knitted together in Christ,” a press release from the organisers informed on Sun.

514 delegates representing all the churches with the organisation participated in the annual meeting, it was informed.

During the event the organisation adopted a number of resolutions.

A resolution and commitment the church leaders made based on the relevance of the word of Jesus Christ on the church and society. Focussing on the theme of the annual meeting “Knitted together in Christ” (Col 2:2), the church said to fully recognize its practical implications and relevance for the church and society today. Based on it, the organisation has resolved to committing to a number of faith principles.

On the unity of the church: The churches said to recognise and acknowledge that their strength and unity are centred around Lord Jesus Christ, and one faith, one baptism and one God who is the father of all ( Eph 4:4-6).

The church took note of ‘certain heretical teachings and forces’ that create division in the body of faith. ‘Whereas we are fully aware of certain heretical teachings and forces of the day which creates divisions and disunity within the church. Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment and endeavour to keep up the unity of the spirit and further resolved to remain “Knitted together in Christ” under the banner of Chakhesang Baptist Church Council with the sole purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God and fulfilling the great commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.’

On the sanctity of the church: The organisation noted what the press statement termed ‘heretical teachings’ and elements particularly in issues such as homosexuality and Yoga practices.

“Whereas we are fully aware of certain heretical teachings and elements particularly relating to the prevalent issues of homosexuality and Yoga practices which poses a great threat to the sanctity of the church,” the press release stated.

“Therefore, we resolve to call upon all the believers and churches to uphold the Biblical sanctions of Christian marriage; we also urge every Christian believer to refrain from practicing Yoga which are not compatible with Christian values, faith and practices.”

The organisation appealed also to the authorities not to impose Yoga on students. ‘ In this connection, we also appeal all concerned authority not to impose yoga practices to our Naga students so as not to hurt the religious sentiments of Christian community as well as to uphold the religious freedom envisaged in the constitution,’ the organisation stated.

On Christian faith and practices, the organisation warned against secular and religious forces that are ‘subtly’ attacking the Christian faith. ‘Whereas we are fully aware of the certain emerging secular ideologies and religious forces subtly attacking Christian faith and practices and depriving of our rights and privileges,’ the church stated in resolution.

“Therefore, we resolve to pray and fight against all these exploitative and oppressive forces and ideologies that are found inimical and detrimental to our Christian faith and practices and further resolved to urge upon all the believers to be deeply rooted in the Word of God.”

On ‘clean’ election, the organisation stated that it recognizes and upholds the democratic rights of the people to have good governance and their right to adult franchise as God’s given birthright.

“Therefore, in view of the forthcoming state general election, we resolve to commit ourselves to consciously and faithfully exercise our franchise and further rededicate ourselves to sensitize, advocate, promote and practice Clean Election in accordance with the NBCC Clean Election Guidelines.”

The organisation has expressed deep appreciation to the organisations and individuals whose contribution made the event a success.