Editor,
The castigation and reasoning of the Synod (be it Mihngi or Sepngi) with regards to the contesting of election of Rev. PBM Basaiawmoit has once again thrown up some interesting facts as to how the church views politics (and society) and the sheer disconnect from reality or even of possessing the willingness to look into facts in proper context and thereby embracing change.
Firstly, why should it be questioned or even frowned upon if any Reverend enters politics. Politics is open for all. Anyone and everyone who wishes to enter the fray is free to do so. We have to unlearn the long standing teaching that politics cannot be cleaned and that in politics even a good person will ultimately do bad things. Let us move away from this thought. Politics is not dirty. It is in fact a means to a good end. If a person with sound credentials and character deeply rooted in faith (Christianity is more of faith than religion) enters into politics we should be extremely happy and openly welcome it. Change is constant and continous with time, hence we must look at the possibility of not resisting it. Moreover, it shows that there are still good people with good intentions who want to enter the perceived dirt called politics and possibly try and clean it up.
Secondly, the view by the church leaders that there is disconnect between politics and religion speaks of sheer ignorance and arrogance. It is an irrational statement. We do have politics in the church itself. The church must move beyond its four convenient walls and openly face the challenges of the society by involving itself in various elements and activities of change, politics being one of them. If the church leaders shrug away from the responsibility of motivating positive change in the society then it is really disappointing. The church has its role deeply rooted in issues facing the society at large and not confined only to within the few square feet of its securely walled premises.
Thirdly, if the Synod feels so strongly that a person with the initials Reverend cannot take part in elections then it must recall the ordination. It is the Synod who ordained and hence it can alone revert. The onus does not lie on the said person to do it. Moreover, many will agree that serving people as a whole is serving in the name of God although Reverends are exclusively empowered to perform and run certain ceremonies. By that analogy, all employees and workers by whatever name and designation in whatever office/department/institution/organization and so forth are indeed serving in the name of God.
Lastly, devaluation of religion is a subjective matter. Stating that Reverend and politics is a no-no is akin to issuing of a fatwa and generally they are questioned and frowned upon. No one can say for certain as to who devalues religion, hence this context of reasoning is best if left in the closet. So if there is any shock on a Reverend in politics, it is on the claims of the Church.
Yours, etc
Benjamin Lyngdoh
NEHU Campus
Shillong – 22