NONGSTOIN: Members of the Presbyterian Church under the KJP Synod Sepngi along with some people from West Khasi Hills have expressed shock over the decision of Rev PBM Basaiawmoit to jump into electoral politics.
Religious leaders of the Presbyterian Church of West Khasi Hills said that religion and politics did not go hand in hand and questioned as to how a Reverend could involve himself with politics.
A religious leader of West Khasi Hills, K P Wanniang reminded the Synod at Nongkasen that in 2012 it was decided that any pastor taking part in politics would have to forfeit his ordination as a Reverend. He added that a Reverend’s work was to serve and work in the name of God. The religious leaders of West Khasi Hills said that Basaiawmoit, with his decision to contest April 9 Lok Sabha election from Shillong constituency, had devalued religion for his vested interests.
The Church leaders urged all religious leaders of the state not to mention Rev etc. as their titles if they start writing in favour of any political party or candidate.