First-of-its-kind Council of Churches in Mizoram launched, promoting unity

The Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM), comprising the major Christian denominations in the state, was officially launched on October 27, marking it the first-of-its-kind in 130 years since the introduction of Christianity in 1894, as noted by a church leader.

The conglomeration was established by eight key churches, including Mizoram Presbyterian Church (MPC), Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) and Evangelical Church of Maraland, to foster unity and harmony among various churches in the state.

Mizoram Presbyterian Church Synod moderator Rev R Vanlalnghaka launced the CCM during a conference held at the Presbyterian church in Aizawl's Mission Veng locality.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma, cabinet ministers, and a number of legislators from the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the opposition parties, including the MNF, Congress and BJP, attended the programme.

During the business session held on Saturday, over 500 delegates from different churches adopted the council's constitution and approved the appointment of seven office bearers.

The delegates also passed the interim budget of Rs 32.4 lakh.

The CCM will be headed by Rev Dr R Lalbiakliana, who is the general secretary of BCM, as president, while Rev Dr Lalhmangaiha from MPC has been appointed as the general secretary.

The council will run its temporary office from the Synod Convention Centre in Aizawl.

Lalbiakliana said that the main objective of the council is to bridge divides by creating common ground among churches, and setting aside differences in doctrines and church traditions.

The primary focus of the council is to promote unity among the diverse churches in Mizoram to reform and improve the society and assist the government in upholding good governance, he said.

Lalbiakliana said that other churches from different denominations have also been invited to join the council. (With PTI inputs)