Differences within Lotha Baptist Churches Association surface again

WOKHA — Ongoing differences within the Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA) came to the fore again on Saturday, prompting opposing groups to hold parallel programmes and issue statements on administrative concerns.

The LBCA, led by Dr. Renbi Rangthang, conducted a pre-ordination prayer programme at the Vankhosung Mission Centre on Saturday.

In response, members of the LBCA group under Rev. Nyanchumo Lotha organised a rally expressing resentment at the mission centre, but later shifted their venue following a directive from the Wokha Village Council.

The members subsequently gathered at the mother church gate in Wokha town, where a press briefing was also held.

LBCA secretary Samuel Ovung said that Executive Secretary Rev. Nyanchumo Lotha and President Rev. Dr. LL Kikon were unable to attend the gathering due to certain circumstances.

Also read: Dr. Renbi Rangthang assumes charge as Lotha Baptist Churches Association executive secretary

He said that the group had initially planned a general meeting at the Vankhosung Mission Centre but was prevented from doing so by an “unrecognised body.”

To avoid an unfavourable situation and maintain peace, they decided to shift their meeting to Wokha town.

The members asserted that they have their own constitution and administrative system, calling the “unrecognised” tag unacceptable.

They maintained that their activities are aimed at addressing administrative and doctrinal concerns within the LBCA.

Referring to a High Court order dated December 11, 2023—which stated that the government should not intervene in LBCA matters—the members also cited a judgement passed on November 7, 2025, which called for maintaining the status quo.

They expressed concern that a village body had directed LBCA staff to vacate the Vankhosung premises between November 21 and 27; this, they contended, runs contrary to the court orders.

The members recalled that their reform efforts began at a delegates’ meeting held on April 5, 2022, at Okotso Baptist Church, attended by representatives of more than 85 churches.

Ten resolutions were adopted, highlighting alleged constitutional violations, administrative irregularities, lapses in recognising new churches, and concerns regarding the termination of ordained ministers.

LBCA executive member Y Chumbenthung Murry said that the reform movement was not intended to create division but to restore the principles upon which the LBCA was founded in 1923.

“Despite identifying ourselves as Baptists, challenges continue to escalate because core Baptist principles and doctrines are not being upheld,” he said, adding that adherence to the constitution would prevent such issues.

Action Committee co-convenor Y Pankathung Lotha pointed out that although Section 163 of the BNSS had been imposed at the Vankhosung office for several years, the office was opened by the administration, which they viewed as improper.

He said that while another group was allowed to participate in activities at the centre, their members were restricted from doing so.

During the rally, the LBCA group under Rev. Nyanchumo Lotha raised slogans such as “We want justice,” “We stand on the Word of God,” “We stand on the Constitution of the LBCA,” and “LBCA belongs to the Lothas.”

Meanwhile, the other LBCA faction under Dr. Renbi Rangthang will conduct his ordination as Reverend on November 23.