Raipur (Bahanakhadi), 26 Feb 2025: NCC News Correspondent
The Chhattisgarh Christian Forum (CCF) conducted a Legal Symposium for Pastors and Christian leaders. The President of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum, Rev. Arun Pannalal, welcomed the guests of honour and introduced them. The guests included Mrs. Alka Manoj of BJP, Mr. Shankar Luke, Vice Chairman of the Telangana State Minorities Commission, Dr. Sam Paul Kolakaluri, Founder President of the National Christian Council, Mr. Prasad of the Free Methodist Church of India, Rev. Amit Matwankar of EFI, Dr. Arpit Lall, Senior Advocate. Harish Lall, Adv. Shekinah and others. Several Districts leaders of CCF were present to welcome the dignitaries and resource persons.
Rev. Amit Matwankar spoke about the importance of unity and the responsible use of digital media, urging people not to make unnecessary comments about other religions. Mr. Shankar Luke highlighted the various government forums available for assistance, such as the District Legal Services Authority, Women's Commission, Human Rights Commission, and Minorities Commission. He encouraged everyone to fully utilize these resources and suggested considering politics as a career. He urged Pastors to encourage their members to lead in societal matters and to pray for them.
Mr. Prasad presented greetings from Bishop Dr. Lohora and emphasized the need for unity. Dr. Sam Paul Kolakaluri advocated for unity across all denominations and with other communities, including minority communities and the larger civil society. He shared that the NCC stands for "United to Serve" with 17 Wings in 28 States of India. He expressed that in Chhattisgarh, they would work closely with the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum and appreciated Rev. Arun Pannalal's long years of service to the community. He stressed that the increased incidents of persecution require preachers to hold the Bible in one hand and the Indian Constitution in the other. The Bible teaches to preach, and the Constitution guarantees the right to believe, practice, and propagate faith.
Mrs. Alka Manoj highlighted various schemes launched by the BJP, such as the Free Gas Cylinder and Stove for ladies, and PMJY. She stated that the Prime Minister of India has introduced numerous schemes and programs aimed at promoting economic development, social welfare, and infrastructure growth. She urged everyone to take advantage of these schemes. She also mentioned that when a threatening video was sent to Christians in Chhattisgarh, she represented this issue to Central Minister Mr. Bandi Sanjay.
The organizers expected around 200 attendees, but 400 pastors and key leaders attended, and all were encouraged to learn more about legal provisions and how best to utilize them. The leaders thanked the police officers for their assurance that no heinous crimes would be allowed, regardless of who is planning them, and that the state would maintain law and order.
