The Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), representing the major Christian denominations in the state, was officially launched on October 27, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind in 130 years since the arrival of Christianity in 1894, according to a church leader.
This coalition was formed by eight prominent churches, including the Mizoram Presbyterian Church (MPC), Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM), and Evangelical Church of Maraland, with the goal of fostering unity and harmony among the various churches in the state.
Rev. R. Vanlalnghaka, moderator of the Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod, inaugurated the CCM during a conference at the Presbyterian church in Aizawl’s Mission Veng locality. The event was attended by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, cabinet ministers, and several legislators from both the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and opposition parties, including the MNF, Congress, and BJP.
During the business session, over 500 delegates from different churches adopted the council’s constitution and approved the appointment of seven office bearers. They also passed an interim budget of ?32.4 lakh.
Rev Dr R Lalbiakliana, general secretary of BCM, will serve as the council’s president, while Rev Dr Lalhmangaiha from MPC has been appointed as general secretary. The council will operate from its temporary office at the Synod Convention Centre in Aizawl.
Lalbiakliana emphasized that the primary objective of the council is to bridge divides by creating common ground among churches and setting aside differences in doctrines and traditions.
The council aims to promote unity among Mizoram’s diverse churches to reform and enhance society while assisting the government in upholding good governance. He also mentioned that churches from various denominations have been invited to join the council. (With PTI inputs)