Deputy Moderator of Church of North India Calls for Peace and Harmony

The Deputy Moderator of the Church of North India, Rt. Rev. Purely Lyngdoh has appealed to the people of different faith communities to maintain peace and to promote communal harmony at this juncture when the entire country is plunged into communal violence due to intolerance and fanaticism exercised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.  He addressed an All Faiths Prayer Meeting for Peace and Harmony convened by the Shillong Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders Forum (SKJCLF) and the Leaders of different Churches in North East India, especially of Meghalaya, on 18th September 2008, at the KJP Assembly Conference Hall.  

The Church Leaders and the leaders of other faith communities gathered on the occasion expressed solidarity with the sufferings and persecutions of the Christians in Orissa, Karnataka and in different parts of our Country. They collectively affirmed their faith in God who creates all, and gives life to all. Therefore, each life is precious and valuable. Hence, all outrageous and senseless violence are condemnable, and more so, when they are directed toward the members of the minority – communities.  

Condemning any form of killing and terrorism the leaders prayed and called upon all citizens of the country to live together in peace and harmony.  They appealed to the leaders of different faiths communities to take a lead in showing respect and concern for one another as violence begets violence, while acceptance of each other brings about peace and goodwill.  They also called upon the people of Meghalaya to be vigilant against all forms of fundamentalism and communalism.  

Finally, the leaders also appealed to the Administration of the States and the Country to take immediate steps to stop the on-going violence in different parts of the Country, and ensure the basic rights of all citizens.  The appeal was signed by Bishop Purely Lyngdoh (President, SKJCLF), Rev. Dr. R. J. Skinner (Secretary, SKJCLF), Mr. Naba Bhattacharjee (Working President, CPC), Br. Harihara Chaitanya (Ram Krishna Mission ), Ven. Jyotipal Bhukhi (Buddhist Monk), Mr. C. Z. Ghafoor (Shillong Muslim Union).