ย The North East Church Leadersโ€™ Conference, which will make statements on the general convictions and commitments on Christian identity, life, and mission, had been in the offing for quite a long time. Its fruition was seen on January 9, 2025, at Ri Bhoi Synod Conference Hall, Nongpoh, where 54 church leaders from the various units of NEICC held a One-day conference. It was efficiently hosted by Ri Bhoi Synod, which enriched and blessed all participants.

 

The meetings were in two sessions. The first meeting was led by President Rev SR Dkhar. After words of welcome from the General Secretary and the host unit, former President Rev WC Khongwir gave a talk on โ€œResponding Together to Challenges facing Northeast Christians Today,โ€ reminding the various challenges facing the church and emphasising on the need to come together. Rev Lalfakzuala, Vice President, made a presentation on the text of the document.

 

The presentation continued after lunch in the second session,ย  which was led by Rev Kamson Rongphar, Vice President. It ย was followed by a discussion of the document, which was led by Rev Dr BJ Syiemlieh, EC Member. Rev Dr Ramengliana, General Secretary, led the document’s signing. All 52 participants individually and willingly gave their signatures as a symbol of endorsement and commitment. The meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Rev I Khyriem, Treasurer, which was followed by benediction from Rev ST Kaia.

 

The document, which was accepted as โ€˜The Nongpoh Declarationโ€™ was written by various scholars of NEICC โ€“ (i) Dr Lalnghakthuami, Mizoram Synod, (ii) Rev Dr Sanyu Iralu, NBCC, (iii) Rev Lyndan Syiem, KJP Sepngi, (iv) Dr Keciziuying Siang, NBCC, (v) Rev Dr Ramengliana, Manipur Synod. Rev Lalfakzuala and Rev Dr BJ Syiemlieh helped edit and polish the document.

 

The Nongpoh Declarationโ€™ is expected to serve as a mirror to Northeast Christians themselves to help them self-understand better and assist others in understanding Northeast Christianity more quickly and deeply, with a view to promoting unity and brotherhood among the churches.

 

 

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