It is noteworthy that the Church in Nagaland is finally taking a strong stand on the social issues that is plaguing the society of its followers in the Christian dominated state of Nagaland. From its earlier stand of non-involvement stressing more on the spiritual than the social aspects it is slowly changing its stance on the matter. The recent Clean Election campaign launched by NBCC, the activities of the Nagaland Missions Movement in the state and in their mission fields outside the state, the start of the Nagaland Development Outreach that focuses more on the improvement of quality of life are all positive indicators of the Church finally taking up the responsibility as the single largest body in the state after the government.
Nagaland is also suddenly noticing increasing number of contributions from the youth of the Church actively involving in social activities. Starting from a simple cleanliness drive of their surroundings to awareness campaigns on drugs and other social evils, the youth of the Church continues to bring some optimism to the people. It is also a welcome sign that churches are also taking up HIV/Aids seriously, a very relevant subject in the present world.
With the current impetus that is seen it is the right time for the Church to get into more specifics so that the current momentum that is gaining does not encounter any roadblocks. This is not the first time that the Church is involved with issues other than spiritual. It was actively involved in the many peace processes in the state but somehow after achieving its initial goal it somehow shied away without the expected follow-ups, most probable cause being that it is the same general population who are also the members of the Church.
This time round the Church needs to talk about integrity and it starts with its smallest affiliate so that correct data and correct subscriptions are paid to their church councils.
The Church needs to talk about maintaining correct census information in all the villages and towns across the state. The current practice of inflating it and multiple enumerations on expectation of more benefits needs to be stopped.
The Church should denounce the practice of enrolling more than once in the electoral rolls.
The Church should also have a stand on swearing false affidavits that enables so many Nagas to avail benefits that they are actually not eligible to. We train our youths to give false witness immediately after their matriculation to provide false information of their parent’s /guardian’s income so as to avail scholarships meant for the poorer sections of the society.
The Church should take a stand on the practice of having more than one government job which is against the existing law of the state.
This list goes on but for now if the Church only has the will and the strength to get into such specifics for starters then it would invariably gain respect among its followers that in turn enable its recently initiated missions on social matters to have a wider impact.
