In the name of God, Church 'unites' MLAs MLAs urged to work sincerely
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 30 2012: In an unprecedented move, a number of Church leaders offered a 'thanksgiving service' for the newly elected Christian legislators belonging to different parties that fought in the just concluded tenth State Assembly elections.

The primary objective of the thanks giving service was invoke the spiritual side of the leaders and help them in their work for the betterment of society as a whole.

One of the MLAs is Paonam Brojen, a Meitei Christian convert, who won from Wangjing Tentha Assembly Constituency in Thoubal district on Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) ticket, while the rest are from the five hill districts of Senapati, Chandel, Tamenglong, Churachandpur and Tamenglong.

Meiteis are predominantly Hindus with some following Sanamahism.

In a solemn function organized by the All Manipur Christian Organization (Amco) at the Believers Church's complex at Langol here, the Church leaders led by Rev Lalpi Vaiphei conducted the thanks giving/blessing prayers.

MLAs getting blesed by the Church

A conglomerate of all Church denominations of the state, AMCO had organized a series of Pastors and Church leaders' advocacy meetings for free and fair polls ahead of the January 28 Assembly elections.

During the thanks giving service, 13 MLAs, namely Gaikhangam, Phungzathang Tonsing, Ngamthang Haokip Chaltolien Amo, Francis Ngajokpa, DK Korungthang, Manga Vaiphei, Victor Keishing, Yamthong Haokip and Z Kikhambou Newmai of the ruling Congress , Samuel Risom and Alexander Pao of the Naga People's Front ( NPF) and Paonam Brojen of the MSCP-knelt 'before the Lord' and the ordained Ministers blessed them.

While greeting the legislators, Most Rev Dominic Lumon , DD Archbishop of Imphal said the MLAs were elected not by chance but by God's grace and guidance.

Stating that God has given them the responsibilities to serve the society, the Archbishop urged the MLAs to work hard and serve the society sincerely.

He urged the MLAs to make a difference somewhere and bring a change and reverse the unhealthy trends in society.

Congress MLA and Home Minister Gaikhangam said though different parties fought in the recent crucial polls, the elected members have now united as one inside the Church for which he lauded Amco for bringing them together to do good work for the people in the name of God.

Echoing Gaikhangam, another Congress leigislator Chaltolien Amo said the programme has consistently given a new strength to them to work for a better society.

During AMCO campaigns held last year, the Church leaders advised the Christian candidates not to indulge in poll malpractices and bribery.

The Christian candidates were also urged to work sincerely for the welfare of the people sincerely and honestly.