PAPUNALLAH, Feb 10: Chief Minister Pema Khandu hailed the Christian community of the state for the contributions it made in moulding the society and promoting peace and communal harmony.
Attending the 7th general conference of the Arunachal Christian Forum (ACF) at the Christian Revival Church here on Saturday, the chief minister specifically lauded the forum for being the torchbearer of the Christian community which forms a major chunk of the state’s population.
“Over the years, I have seen that its (ACF) leaders are mature, decent and disciplined, and their active involvement in the day-to-day activities of the people and the society has been of immense impact,” he said.
He expressed faith that the forum would continue the legacy of their predecessors and spread Jesus Christ’s message of love, peace, harmony, and religious tolerance. He appealed to church leaders as well as other religious leaders to preach good values as their followers would not go against their teachings.
The CM also said the influence of the churches could be utilized to defeat corrupt practices in life, governance, and politics.
“Churches should take the lead in the fight against corruption that has roots in electoral politics based on the money culture. If involvement of money in elections can be rooted out, corruption will fade out eventually. If churches preach to believers to desist from money laundering in elections, the first war in the battle against corruption would be won,” Pema said.
He also advised religious bodies not to confuse between religion and politics, which he said should be kept away from each other.
The chief minister reiterated that the state government is committed to the welfare and development of each and every community of the state, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
Former chief minister Nabam Tuki, along with several community and church leaders, was also present on the occasion.
