New Bible House serves unique
Christian region

DIMAPUR, India — The Dimapur Auxiliary of the Bible Society of India (BSI) has a new Bible House. Dedicated on April 1 by Shri C S Jamir, the Honourable Chief Minister of Nagaland, the new Bible House will become the focal point for Bible work in Nagaland, Manipur and Arunchal Pradesh.

Situated in the north-eastern part of India, Nagaland has a unique place in the story of Christianity.

One hundred per cent Christian

A dramatic revival between 1976 and 1978 resulted in Nagaland becoming almost 100 per cent Christian. It is now the only predominantly Baptist ethnic state in the world. The population is estimated at around one million.

The Naga people speak a total of 60 languages and dialects, seven of which have a full Bible, the most recent being the Naga-Liangmai which was launched in February. Eighteen Naga languages have had the New Testament translated and produced, and the UBS is currently involved in work on 20 languages in the Naga group.

Speaking at the dedication of the new auxiliary Bible House, Mr Jamir said he hoped the new facility would spread the Gospel message further.

He said the churches must adapt to the demands of a changing world. India’s now comparatively high literacy – about 86 per cent – brought new opportunities for the Church, he added. It had to become pro-active, adapt to social change and actively maintain its moral and spiritual influence on the values of the community. In this the BSI and the Dimapur Auxiliary were key supporters of the Church, supplying the materials needed to meet the challenges of change.

Promote peace

He also hoped it would bring its influence to bear on the destructive elements in society which caused hatred and violence. People were tired of those disruptive and aggressive elements and wanted the Church to promote peace and reconciliation.

“This is not just the task of the government. The Church must also promote peace and unity in answer to the cry of the entire people of Nagaland,” he said.

Again, the Bible was key in promoting peace, and its translation, production and distribution throughout Nagaland had already helped in bringing about an understanding among the Naga people that could not be achieved in other ways.

Serve the churches

Also attending the dedication was the Most Rev Dr K J Samuel, President of the board of the BSI. In his dedication message, he hoped that the new Bible House would serve the churches well and help to further the Bible cause in Nagaland.