Lunglei, 13 Sept (Zoram News): A joint meeting was held at the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) Hall in Serkawn today to discuss the unity of various church denominations in Mizoram. A total of 41 representatives from different church bodies across the state attended the gathering. The meeting was presided over by Committee Chairman Rev. Vanlalnghaka, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of India (Mizoram Synod), with a report presented by the Committee Secretary, Rev. Dr. R. Lalbiakliana, General Secretary of the BCM.
In the Secretary’s report, it was highlighted that this was the first meeting aimed at forming a Council of Churches in Mizoram. The Publicity Committee had already organized a preliminary gathering, and 50 members from different church denominations were previously selected as part of the Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM) Executive Committee. It was also reported that the interim budget for the CCM had collected MZN 27 lakh from various church groups, and that the PCI Mizoram Synod had provided space at the Synod Conference Centre, Mission Veng, for the CCM office.
During today’s meeting, discussions covered topics such as the selection of the CCM emblem, recruitment for the CCM office, preparations for the upcoming CCM launch program, and an interim budget review. Additionally, the agenda for the next CCM meeting, scheduled for October 26, 2024, was outlined.
Earlier in the meeting, matters related to the establishment of the Council of Churches, its constitution, and the time and place of the official inauguration were confirmed. The first Council meeting is set to be held at Mission Veng Presbyterian Church in Aizawl on October 26, 2024, with the official inauguration of the Council of Churches in Mizoram scheduled for October 27, 2024. Preparations for the event are already underway.
The Council of Churches in Mizoram currently comprises eight church bodies:
1. Mizoram Presbyterian Church
2. Mizoram Baptist Church
3. Evangelical Church of Maraland
4. Lairam Isua Krista Baptist Church
5. Evangelical Free Church of India
6. Isua Krista Church, Bualpui (Ng)
7. Wesley Methodist Church, Mizoram
8. Independent Church of India