Central Region level Church Leaders' Conference on the Role of Christians in National Development
20-23 April 2007
Hetaunda, Makwanpur
As per the plan, Central Regional Church Leaders' conference on the theme" Role of Christians in National Development" was jointly organized by National Council of Churches of Nepal (NCCN) and Makawanpur Christian Council (MCC) in Forestry Campus Hall, Hetaunda, Makawanpur from 20 to 23 April 2007. Around 625 Pastors and Church Leaders from 77 Churches in 19 districts in Central region of Nepal and representatives from different parts of
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NCCN General Secretary Dr. K.B. Rokaya addressing the programme
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Nepal participated in the programme. Out of 77 Churches which were represented in the programme, 46 were from Makawanpur District. More than 40% participants were young women leaders.
Dr. K. B. Rokaya, the General Secretary of NCC Nepal was the main speaker for the conference. Southern Asia Director of Global Ministries, USA Rev. James Vijaykumar and Coordinator of South Asia Ecumenical Partnership Programme(SAEPP) Rev. Vinod Victor were guest speakers.
Resource persons spoke on the crucial topics and issues like gospel and culture, inter-faith cooperation, peace and justice, Christian unity and its importance, biblical perspective on peace, justice
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Local host committee welcoming the guests (From left) Public Relations & Programme Eexpansion officer of NCCN Mr. R.C. Acharya, President of CRCC Mr. Ram Krishna Panta, NCCN General Secretary Dr. K.B. Rokaya, Southern Asia Director of Global Ministries, USA Rev. James Vijayakumar, SAEPP Coordinator Rev. Vinod Victor
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and human rights, and current political situation in Nepal and role of Christians as citizens of this nation.
The conference of Church leaders in Central region of Nepal formed Central Region Christian Council (CRCC) to act as the representative body of Christians in this region.
Responding to the programme, participants have expressed very positive comments saying that the programme in Hetuanda was the largest ever gathering of Church leaders in the region focusing on the role ofChristians in national development. They have requested to organize such programmes in future for all the Pastors and Church Leaders who were not able to participate.
On the final day of the programme, an inter-religious interaction programme and press meet was organized in which leaders of different
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Southern Asia Director of Global Ministries, USA, Rev.James Vijayakumar, addressing the inter-religious gathering and Mr. Enosh Rokaya helping with translation
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religious communities, representatives of all political parties, Government officials, intellectuals, media people and civil society members were present and applauded the work of NCCN for sustainable peace, justice, interfaith harmony and cooperation and for mobilizing the religious communities of Nepal to participate actively in resolving the issues faced by society and nation.
There were many hurdles and challenges we had to face in the course of organizing this programme. But we were able to organize such a big and meaningful programme with the prayer and support of our co-workers and partners. The programme was a grand succes and the credit of the success of this
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Participants of the programme
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programme goes to our partners and supporters at the local, national and international level and we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of them for their support to the work of NCCN. We also thank Rev. Dr. James Vijaykumar and Rev. Vinod Victor for being with us on this very special occasion. We are thankful and grateful to the Hetaunda based TU Forestry Campus Administration team for providing the Campus Hall and other facilities.
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SAEPP Coordinator Rev. Vinod Victor speaking at the programme
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The local Churches in Makwanpur district and Hetaunda played an important role in making the programme a great success for which we would like to thank them.
The following were some unique features of this historic programme.
- It was the first and largest gathering of church leaders at regional level with the theme ' Role of Christians in the development of the nation'.
- The Central Region Christian Council which was formed by
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Participants of the conference performing cultural programme at inter-religious gathering
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this gathering is the first Regional level Council under the initiative of NCCN.
- It was first programme organised by Christians in Nepal where representatives of all the political parties were present and spoke positively about the initiatives taken by NCCN as the representative body of Christians in Nepal
- This was the first and largest ever gathering of Church leaders in Hetaunda which was held in a public/academic venue outside the Church.
- Wide coverage given by local media about the programme and the topics and issues discussed. One local FM covered the various activities in the programme three times a day.
- Significant participation of women and youth leaders.
THANK YOU !
