Editor,
Let me be the first to admit that I really do not care about most matters relating to the esoteric. Of Church and churches I care only about their social and political dimensions. However, I would like to share my reactions towards the arrest that was made recently. Reverend Miller was arrested over the weekend and really, I was not surprised. The charges brought up against him were rape and molestation. Again, it came as no surprise. The reason for this is probably because I get suspicious when men over 50 surround themselves with girls under 25. Similarly there are a number of flashy public figures who like to be photographed with young girls (and boys). Look and ask about what is the truth behind these associations. Now is the time for other similar stories to make the front page.
Miller’s New Life Church has many of the classic elements of a cult. There are many of these smaller, newer and more ‘personal’ churches mushrooming every day within the state. The majority of them foster an in-group spirit among members; loud music is high on the list and call for a total submission of the individual before an overwhelming feeling (which they call the holy spirit). The New Life Church was one of the most prominent churches in the whole tide of evangelical revival that we had a few years back. They averaged a possession/revival a day among their “flock”. I know because I was dating someone whose sister happened to be one of “lucky ones”. Let me tell you that when she got possessed/revived, she and the others (all girls) were taken away from their residences and were forced (in my opinion) to stay in seclusion together. Now when I think about it, what is that if not infringement on the right to liberty? I think that the police should have a close look at the finances of this group as well as questions some of the members about the behaviour of the senior members towards them. All this took a long time to culminate in the arrest but now is the time to ask serious questions about the nature of these types of organisations, whether Christian or Hindu, Muslim or Flying Spaghetti Monster.
This church was one of the first in Shillong to seriously have a business plan about how to sell god to their main demographic, namely, young people. It has always positioned itself as a church for the young with its tech-savvy musicians and its trendy spokes-people and its overall urbaneness. Coincidentally and just for controversy’s sake the New Life Church houses itself in one of the buildings of St Edmunds’ College – run by the Christian Brothers. For many Naga and Mizo students studying away from their own homes, the New Life Church has professed to be a caretaker and a guardian. This then is the context that the recent news must be understood from. The gravity of Miller’s crimes is that he abused his position of power over the young. For that he is as good as any of the fearsome cult leaders who come into our minds. He is the first point of contact for many students who looked up to him for support and guidance, a father away from home. Indeed he is sometimes inescapable especially if you happen to live in one of his hostels – everyday, 24 x7, Miller-time – indoctrination at its most invasive. Miller is a well connected man but I hope that he pays for his crimes.
The danger is that we might say that this is the first and only time something like this has happened. Rumours fly about a lot but we must investigate them further, and not simply get angry. If they are wrong they can be falsified if not than they have some truth which needs to be explored. Question the “better” schools or ask the Presbyterian Church how many cases of sexual abuse and molestation they have known of. They will keep mum for pride’s sake, as though pride will heal wounds. This fatal flaw of Christian organisations – their un-Christ pride – is going to undermine their righteousness in the long run. The sad thing is that there are very real victims and every time they deny, they wound the person still deeper.
Yours etc.,
Babet Sten,
Vie email