By Albert Thyrniang
Diana Mary Pala’s article, “Church leaders and their impact on our lives” (ST October 27,2013) was brilliantly responded to by George Shining Lyngkhoi’s, “The poor and the missionaries” on Oct 29th. One can only second the points of rebuttal. It is undeniable that the Church (inclusive of all denominations) has been and is playing a crucial role in education and health care particularly in rural areas. History and facts and speaks for themselves. The socio-politico-economic condition of not only Meghalaya but the whole of North East India has been transformed, thanks to the church. No devil’s advocate can conjecture otherwise!
However, the grudge, dissatisfaction and complaint some have against the Church is its lack of prophetic role in the current scenario; the general silence of the Church leaders in times of turmoil, violence, unrest and crisis. This point was raised by Ms Pala and others but left intentionally (?) untouched so far. The Church’s yeoman service is unquestionable. It’s contributions to the overall development in the entire region is gigantic, commendable and unparalleled. But in trying times – social, economic and political, it has to respond and take a stance. Here is the test. Some have suggested that it is not the duty of the Church to get involved in politics. It is not the indulgence in politics we are talking about. It is concern for the suffering of poor and common man and woman – indeed its own very children, if we consider the Church as a mother. When a person is affected socially, politically and economically he/she is spiritually affected.
In the recent agitations over the Inner Line Permit, the methods of protest used such as bandhs night road blockade etc meant that the streets were empty even before sunset. Violence in the forms of arson, torching of vehicles and even attack on people resulting in loss of human lives was almost a daily occurrence. It is hard to believe that the Church in a ‘Christian’ state has no view on this. All that some churches could do was to appeal to pro-ILP groups to adjust the timing of the blockade to suit their prayer services. The call by someone to the Church (NEHU and educational institutions) to assert the constitutional rights of freedom of work and movement on behalf of the people (rather than just making appeals to suit themselves) is, perfectly justified. There was also an anonymous letter to the editor decrying Christians’ lukewarm attitude to social, economic and political issues.
On the issue of superstition which raised its ugly head before the ILP protests too the Church had little to say. Except one or two, no church leader condemned the ostracism, inhuman ‘feeding’ of dog and human excreta on witchcraft suspects. Even the murders in Smit evoked no widespread condemnation from Church leaders. The subsequent assembly in Mawkhar to elucidate public opinion on superstitions was organized by an NGO and not by the Church. One denomination even refused to send a representative speaker. The decision drew flak from the public.
Influx is the burning question today in the state. Due to it, there is the demand for ILP. Due to it, the government has proposed other mechanisms to tackle the menace. Due to it, there is a stand-off between the government and the ‘NGOs’. Due to it, we have the agitations, protests, violence, destruction of properties, turmoil, crisis and loss of precious lives. Due to it, a few have been arrested to be tried by a special court. Due to it, the poor, the sick, the ordinary people, the students are severely affected. Due to it, work in government offices have come to a stand-still. Due to it, employees were paid without doing any work. Due to it, educational institutions remained shut. Can the Church remain cold? Should not the Church offer guidance and leadership? Should not the Church exercise influence on the agitating groups and the government? Should not the Church have spokespersons to issue press releases whenever necessary?
In Garo Hills militant groups are mushrooming by the day. We are staring at a bleak future. Youth are joining militant groups. Even minors are used as over ground workers and ‘intelligence’ personnel. What is the Church’s response to the alarming trend? Has it analyzed the causes of militancy? Has it offered remedies to woo youngsters away from taking up arms? On and off peace rallies are fine but insufficient. Thoughtful strategies are needed to end insurgency. The role of the Church in this regard is not only welcome but important if it has to remain relevant. Mere military action is but a temporary solution. It leads to another form of violence, killing, bloodshed, revenge and destitution. Though broken, the HNLC’s backbone might be healed as the proscribed outfit is threatening to be back. It called a two-day bandh to protest the visit of the President of India. Though there was defiance in Shillong, the Khasi and Jaintia Hills were affected.
Ms Pala’s suggestion of merit-based appointment of bishops, principals, etc. rather than other unnecessary considerations should be taken well. In some dioceses, there is undue delay in appointment of bishops because the clergy and laity want a person from a particular community. At times, the appointment of heads of institutions and teachers meets with protests for the same reason. As far as the Catholic Church is concerned its very name is ‘catholic’ meaning universal. The concept should be reflected at all levels. Merit should be the main factor in any appointment. However, merit does not merely mean academic or intellectual or capability. It also means, for example, loyalty to the Church, institution and the society and the rules that govern them. We have had church personnel going to court because they were removed (transferred) as principals of educational institutions in spite of the public declaration of obedience at all times.
There is no contradiction in the Church’s ‘involvement’ in the social, economic and political issues of the people. In fact non-involvement in these matters is contrary to its existence. The Church is a prophet. This prophetic function is not inclusive of only spiritual matters. Limiting itself merely to the spiritual realm will render the Church irrelevant. The theory of dichotomy of temporal and the spiritual has been already discarded by the Church itself a long time ago.