Council of Churches in Mizoram formed to foster unity

Aizawl: For the first time in the history of Mizoram, major  Christian denominations in the state have formed an apex body called Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM) aiming at fostering unity among various churches, a church leader said.

The council chairman Rev R Vanlalnghaka saidthat the CCM was formed recently by eight major churches, including Mizoram Presbyterian Church, Baptist Church of Mizoram and Evangelical Free Church of India (EFCI) following a series of meetings. 

The council will be formally launched during a two-day business meeting to be held at Mission Veng local Presbyterian church in Aizawl on October 26 and 27, he said. 

Vanlalnghaka, who is also the moderator of Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod, the largest denomination in the state, said that the organisational structure of the CCM is akin to North East India Christian Council (NEICC) and other Christian councils in other parts of the country. 

The council will primarily focus on fostering unity among different churches in Mizoram, will work for reformation of Mizo society as well as assist the government in maintaining good governance, he said. 

The council, which is now confined to Mizoram, will defend the rights of churches or Christian believers in the state and will also oppose any elements that pose a threat to Christianity,Vanlalnghaka said. 

He said that other churches in Mizoram are also being invited to join the council.

The CCM secretary Rev. Dr. R. Lalbiakliana also said that the main objective of the council is fostering unity through a common ground by keeping aside doctrinal and traditional differences. 

He said that Rs 27 lakh has been contributed by various denominations for the interim budget of the CCM.

The council will establish its permanent office in the near future and as for now a temporary office will be run at Synod Conference Centre in Aizawl, which will be inaugurated on October 28, he said.