SENAPATI: At a time when Manipur continues to struggle with deep divisions and mistrust among communities, a rare message of reconciliation echoed from the hills of Senapati as members of the Mao and Poumai communities gathered for the Mao Baptist Church Association (MBCA) and Poumai Naga Baptist Church (PNBA) Combined Fellowship from Wednesday to Thursday.
Held under the theme “Loving God, Loving Neighbors” (Luke 10:27), the fellowship brought together church leaders, public representatives and believers from both communities in a call for unity, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
Hosted by Mao-Poumai SKABU, at Khabung Karong, the programme featured speakers including Th. Sonela, Coordinator of Montessori Teacher’s Training Institute, Senapati; Rev. Dr. Tasoni Moon, Director of Pioneer Outreach Ministry, MBC Punanamei; and Rev. R.S. Abraham, Pastor of Poumai Baptist Church, Poulea.
Convenor of the fellowship Rev. A. Pfokrelo, Executive Secretary of MBCA, recalled that the initiative was first started in 2012 by the late Rev. Koda and Rev. Gideon to strengthen ties between the Mao and Poumai communities.
He noted that the two communities were historically one tribe and said the fellowship seeks to guide the younger generation to live honest lives rooted in faith so that communities can learn to live as good neighbours. Echoing the need for reconciliation, Rev. Dr. Samual, Secretary of PNBA, stressed that conflicts will never end if people continue to hold grudges.
“As Christians, we are called to forgive,” he said, reminding the gathering that the Bible teaches that the one who forgives is greater than the one who refuses to forgive. Delivering the sermon, Rev. Dr. Tasoni Moon urged believers to reflect Christ through love and unity, warning that the world often sees Christians divided by hatred and backbiting.
“People look at our lives as a sermon,” he said, encouraging believers to live in a way that reflects God’s love.
Speaking on the relationship between the Mao and Poumai communities, he reminded the congregation that while people may change friends, neighbours cannot be changed. “God has placed us as neighbours,” he said, calling on both communities to choose peace and coexistence. Rev. Moon also appealed for forgiveness and reconciliation as the MBCA prepares to celebrate its centenary from January 16 to 18, 2027, urging both communities to leave past grievances behind and strengthen their bond for future generations.
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Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, who attended the programme, described the fellowship as a testimony of unity and thanked the church community for their prayers and support. He emphasised the role of the Church in shaping society, saying that when the Church remains strong, society also becomes stronger and more disciplined.
MLA Kumo Sha also lauded the organisers for bringing both communities together and encouraged people to strengthen their faith while supporting the less privileged in society. He further proposed that members of the Mao and Poumai communities visit each other’s villages in the future to deepen understanding and rebuild bonds.
As Manipur continues to search for peace, the fellowship ended with a simple but powerful reminder repeated throughout the gathering, that forgiveness, faith and neighbourly love remain the only path toward healing divided communities.