‘New beginning of emotional integration for Nagas’ Ensure sufficient MLAs in MA to speak Naga rights: Rio Vishü Rita Krocha EMN
‘New beginning of emotional integration for Nagas’ Ensure sufficient MLAs in MA to speak Naga rights: Rio Vishü Rita Krocha | EMN
SENAPATI, JAN Embarking on a new chapter in its political history, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) today distributed party tickets to 12 candidates to contest in the forthcoming Jan 28 Manipur general election.
The 12 candidates, selected from amongst 54 who applied for NPF tickets, included Paul Muinao, Dr Alexandar Pao, L Dikoh, K Raina, Athuan Abonmai, Samuel Jendai, G Gaingam, ST Nunglung Victor, KH David Charanga, Honreikhui Kashung, Samuel Risom and Sehpu Haokip.
They were administered oath by party president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu in the presence of a host of NPF leaders from both the states of Nagaland and Manipur amidst a large gathering of supporters at a formal function held at Taphou Phyamai, Senapati today.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who was also present at the ceremony, once again made it clear that NPF is not against any party, group or people but has extended its fold to bring peace and brotherhood among the people in Manipur. He said the reason why they decided to launch the regional party in the Naga inhabited areas is because Nagas are divided into various countries and states, and living under different governments.
He expounded that Nagas are divided because of their desire to be independent and sovereign and stated that ‘now it’s not possible’ while referring to the 1/3rd Nagas living in Myanmar and 2/3rd in the Indian Union in the states of Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh respectively. He stressed that Nagas will not stop the fight for its history or rights, but said ‘while living under Indian Union, we desire that Nagas are integrated’.
“To be in the Indian Union also, we need a rightful place and we will continue to fight for our identity”, Rio asserted.
“We have struggled for more than six decades, but now we are starting a new chapter in the history of Nagas, a new beginning of emotional integration and starting today, political integration, social and cultural integration. We are one race, one family, although divided under different administrative heads,” Rio added.
Stating that the NPF has given them a platform in this regard, he urged upon all Naga loving people to make special sacrifices while underlining that it is not going to be a simple election. “It will be like a Naga Referendum with the world and the Indian community watching us, and we are at a very crucial juncture; this opportunity may never come again,” he said.
He went on to say that, if defeated, it will not only be about defeating the candidates but about defeating the cause of the Nagas and the decades-old fight. “I hope you will understand the seriousness of launching NPF in Manipur state”, he said and emphasised further that the time has come to show the true colours of the Nagas.
Calling for a people’s movement, he urged the gathering stating, “Let us renew our fight for the cause of the Nagas and make sure that we have sufficient MLAs in the Manipur Legislative Assembly to speak for the rights of the Nagas. We will see that the hills people are protected.”
“We are fighting to be part of the government and developmental activities and we will address the issues of the minority and the people. With this hope and prayer, I leave it to you to fight for our candidates,” Rio said.
He also appreciated the hard work of the civil society, the NGOs who are fighting for integration and various agencies fighting for the hills’ people. To those who were denied the party ticket, Rio said he also shares their concerns and in the meantime exhorted that their sacrifices for the people will not be forgotten while earnestly appealing them to work for the selected candidates and for the party.
Meanwhile, observing that other parties have much apprehension on the expansion of NPF outside Nagaland state, he reiterated that the NPF is not against any party, group or people, Kukis or Meities. “We know that we have to maintain good neighbourhood, but we will continue to fight for our rights and our identity. While fighting for our rights, they may think we are against them, but people should not think that Nagas are against others. Nagas are fighting for their rights,” he strongly maintained.
NPF president and Minister for Higher Education and Urban Development Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu categorically stated that NPF has come to Manipur not to create any problem or to change the territorial boundary of the state but only with the intention that our people can participate in the Manipur Legislative Assembly more actively and strengthen the democracy of Manipur. He said it is only to unite our people, share the same political platform, and from there, they can protect the rights of our people.
He further stated that Meities, Nagas and Kukis are neighbours now and will remain neighbours while explaining that a government or a political party may come and go but people will continue to live together. He hoped that it would be understand that “we want to build good neighbourhood with everyone”.
Nagas desire for independence is deep-rooted. The look East policy driving economic development into Nagaland and North East Generally, has helped many people in a matter-of-fact. Yet when ever I speak with the Naga people, no matter how seemingly integrated into modern Indian life and even the global economy, I hear a longing for an independent Nagalim. And as Nagas, whether villagers or professor in North America, told me, Nagaland is not for sale. Jonathan Glancy A prominent British journalist.
'Big Indian publishing houses don't think the northeast will sell' Times of India Easterine Kire Iralu| A Naga Village Remembered, nagaland |
Easterine Kire Iralu is Nagaland's first novelist in English, who has written books like A Naga Village Remembered, describing the battle between British forces and one Naga hamlet, and Mari, set amidst the attempted Japanese invasion of India in 1944 via Nagaland. Speaking with Kim Arora , Iralu discussed how her state became defined only by conflict, a fine tension vibrating between Naga and Indian identity - and the politics of publishing:
How did you start writing?
I'm a reader. I started as a bookworm. I loved books. It came naturally to me to write at some stage. At university, i was reading African writers. Those were encouraging.African literature resonated in me. It made me feel it was possible to write my own novel. When i was 22, i did my first volume of poetry, the first such collection published by a Naga in English...I did short stories, then A Naga Village Remembered, the first novel by a Naga in English. I kept writing because i felt we needed to create written Naga literature. We have so much oral narratives but with the oral dying out, it's all going to be lost.
Speaking of writing narratives, please tell us about your folk tale project.
I'm a partner with two others in a publishing house, Barkweaver. For us, it's important to have folk tales written down...we're encouraging youngsters to bring them to us...I tell my young friends - if you're interested, sit with older people and get their stories...as they listen to these, youngsters learn their culture.
Do you think young people aren't learning their culture?
Yes - because of the lifestyle they have. Kohima is too urbanised. You no longer have the village setting where in the evenings, you sat with the elders and they told you stories. Youngsters don't do fieldwork which isn't just labour - you learn so much about nature, seasons, birds, native names, etc. Hopefully, they'll learn these things when they write down the stories. It's a lifelong project.
Why is rich Naga literature so under-represented in wider Indian writing?
Because of the politics of publishing - for many years, the media presented us as the region of conflict. The culture was underplayed. Ordinary life was not valued. We became defined by the conflict. It's so irritating - infuriating actually!
This is one way of showing there's more behind the conflict. The people and their lives are interesting...there are people whose stories need to be heard but the big Indian publishing houses don't think the northeast will sell. For many years, they didn't want to publish books from the northeast. It's not just Indian publishing but publishing over the world - but i've proved them wrong with a wonderful market in Nagaland and others outside. There is definitely a market.
You mentioned the Indo-Naga conflict - are Nagas getting over this and integrating today?
I don't believe people from my generation or my children's generation will ever feel that they're Indian. We will always feel we're Nagas. There's a huge cultural difference. But we are able to embrace India, understand Indian culture...only if you're a Naga, you will understand. You have a sense of belonging to a smaller degree to India. Your identity is always as a Naga...you can have a sense of belonging to India. But you know that because of the history and culture, you'll never really be Indian. You'll always be fully Naga in your mentality...we should actually build up on that - the levels of belonging, the levels of Indian-ness.
Naga Fellowshipnz
Dear Friends, NFNZ will issue a statement here later in this thread itself, regarding the beginning of preparations as promised in the year 2012 in few days. NFNZ will be selecting a group of individuals initially for their input, participation possibilities for the Global Naga initiative project (Civil society/Democratic/Peaceful based) kick starting from New Zealand in 2012 , we are blessed to have here from these forums to send a common email. As mentioned last year, we gradually intend to educate the international community of the Naga story, with special focus on Southern and Eastern Nagalim regions which have been very badly neglected. It is important to understand, we are not "begging" the world to help Nagas, no. Nagas are a proud, amazing, courageous and great people, worthy of respect, worthy of admiration.What we believe here, is we are going to "reach out", to the ones God has already "prepared" in advance and placed to help you world wide. They are people, who have the heart, the mind, and the soul to provide great assistance, but have never heard of your story yet. This is a Christian concept, which means "By Faith of things unseen, of possibilities that exist, yet not known". - This project discussion will now soon commence. We also will invite Naga anthropologists and writers to write their thoughts and essays and information if they are able, that will be hosted and secure, free of any factional or any tribal pressures. The entire planet will see this, and will then be given links to connect to the respective organizations. We believe in strengthening existing organizations, activists, Journalists, who are already based in the region. We want to give them a new international platform free of any Tribal, Factional or government pressures. We also want to increase their outreach to the world, and make them as a point of contact for the international community, diplomats to contact and engage in discussions, provide assistance, aid etc. This also minimizes any kind of confusion, and begins too coordinate like minded people on a global front, who are progressive, democratic, and pro-Nagalim. This is just a beginning. But a beginning that needs to start. We will fund and help in the translation and other things to global languages. We will select a core group of advisers, initially to work closely with them. They will have all the freedom and autonomy to choose how and what way they want to contribute, their privacy protected. We are determined to bring International recognition to the Naga Struggle, and to eventually get international governments to declare the Naga people as an oppressed group and that would open doors for great assistance in the coming years, and training of new emerging leaders and people to build and develop this nation forwards peacefully.
And NO, we have nothing to do with Pakistan or China - If this puts the occupiers at ease. We are peaceful, civil, democratic. Three words, let it ring loud at the ears of Burma and the other side. And no we are not Nagas only. We are a diverse group. Christ will remain a bedrock of our values. It is born out of conviction , and conviction is a powerful fuel and engine that begins to initiate change. No one can stop a force of peace born from prayers. No one. It will surge throughout the land. Like a million candles each Naga's heart will light with hope, Igniting everlasting sunshine into this region permanently , wiping out the dark night, a new generation emerging. That is our hope. Do not be afraid, and give your best for your people, for your God, without Fear. Face it with Faith. Will post more updates here later - Naga Fellowshipnz
Hear the Cries of Bleeding Manipur Imphal Free Press Jagdamba Mall
Following stiff opposition from Manipur, Aruanchal Pradesh and Assam after local medias’ revelation on the Centre’s move to provide a ‘Supra State’ status to Nagaland, Prime Minster Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi rushed to Imphal on December 3, 2011 to alley the fears that there is no such move. Earlier, Home Minister P. Chidambaram had also stated that he was not aware of such move. Addressing a public rally at Kangla fort in Imphal on December 3, the PM said that he and his government were committed to protect the territory of Manipur. Home Secretary R.K. Singh in his off the record briefing told reporters on Friday (2.12.2011) that local media has got their story right as NSCN was indeed offered a Supra State as a substitute for Nagalim during the course of negotiations. But Singh said that the govt. had backed off considering the adverse fall out of the proposal. That explains why the PM has taken it upon himself to back off from the Supra State concept and make it clear in so many words during his Manipur visit. Making no commitment to the people of state of frequent economic blockades he wished such incidents would not happen again. He said “There are no winners and all are losers.”
Notwithstanding the bomb blast that had killed one and injured four ahead of the visit Dr. Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi said they were happy with the improvement of law and order in the state. Both the leaders failed to condole several hundred people including over a 100 Hindi speaking people killed by terrorists in Imphal valley from where the AFSPA has been withdrawn from 2004 onwards under the pressure of militant organizations and Human Right activists.
Manipur is a failed state. It has been bedeviled by bandhs, protests and violence obviously under the pressure from under-grounds and human right organizations sponsored allegedly by Church and Foreign forces who want the AFSPA to go. The majority Meitei population vowing to go at any length to protect the territorial integrity against the demand for integration of Naga areas with Nagaland, the Kuki community demanding a separate hill district (Sadar Hills) and Nagas demanding a “separate alternative arrangement” outside Manipur severing all ties with the Manipur government and strongly opposed to inclusion of any land for creation of the Sadar Hills district-all these contrary and contradictory demands by various conflicting communities have made Manipur volatile, volcanic and restless. The conflicts and counter-conflicts have become order of the day because there are no immediate solutions and the instigating forces are rife.
Manipur has faced unprecedented 120 days of economic blockade starting from August 1 on both the Highways- NH 39 (Imphal – Kohima – Dimapur – Guwahati) and NH 53 (Imaphal-Jiribam-Silchar-Guwahati)- the two arteries of Manipur. As a result, the prices of essential commodities have gone sky high and life saving drugs has disappeared from the market. The cost of petrol went upto 240 per litre, diesel 200 per litre, gas cylinder Rs. 2000/- per cylinder and the cost of kitchen commodities touched sky high. The private and civil hospitals in Imphal valley and else where in the state dried up of medicines and oxygen cylinders. As a result, the patient mortality has increased multi-fold. The children, expecting mothers and patients of serious diseases are worst-hit. The business is destroyed. The students are also worst-hit due to loss-of academic year because of frequent bandhs and terrorists’ gun-trotting. Because of that, brain-drain has taken place.
No sooner than the Kuki blockade began by Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) for a separate Sadar Hill District out of existing Senapati district dominated by Nagas fearing the state Govt. may give into the demand, Nagas under the leadership of United Naga Council, UNC, imposed a parallel blockade with a message to the govt. they will never agree to such a district and their own blockade is warning of the shape of things ahead if they are not heeded. The Kukis have since withdrawn their blockade after the govt. gave them the assurance that the Sardar Hills district would be formed after the District Reorganization Committee submitted its report but the Nagas resent this and continued their part of the blockade. On December 1, UNC also lifted the blockade at their own for the reasons not known to the public. The Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi visited Imphal on December 3. The Nagas claim that the Sadar Hills region in Senapati district is part of a Naga ancestral homeland and that Kukis who are later migrants into the area cannot be more than their tenants at best. They also overtly implied in press statements that Kukis by their demand for a separate district are also negating Nagas’ intended imagined homeland (Nagalim) put- forth by NSCN (IM) and this was objectionable to the Nagas. A compromise being stubbornly ruled out by either side, though the Naga blockade has been lifted unconditionally there is still no end to the trouble in sight.
The Meities Are The Target: – The Meities are third major ethnic group in Manipur, the first and second being the non-Naga Non-Meitei group and the Naga group. These Meiteiss are committed Vaishnav Hindu drawing inspirations from Vedas Puranas, Gita, Mahabharat and Ramayan. They draw lessons from glorious history of Bharatvarsh. They go on pilgrimage of Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar, Rameswaram and Somnath etc. Sangam Snan at least once in a life-time is last wish of every Meitei Hindu-men and women both. Tulsi mala in the neck and Chandan teeka at forehead after morning snan are must for every member of Meitei family. Gita, Mahabharat, Ramayan, Bhagwat, Puran and all other Hindu scriptures including Vedas are must in each literate Meitei family. Their culture and way of life are unparallel. Their Raas-leela and various forms of folk dances are unparallel through-out the globe. Their patriotism is like a unbreakable wall at north eastern international border adjacent to Myanmar and Bangladesh which are under close proximity of China. As long as their Rashtriya Samaj-the Meiteis and their allies are economically, culturally, religiously and academically strong, the conspiracy hatched by internal and external enemies threatening the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation shall not succeed. The conversion crusade of Church and missionary menace will not succeed as long as the Meitei community stands united with firm belief in their forefathers heritage religion, and culture.
The nexus of Church, NSCN (IM) of Nagaland, UNLF of Manipur and ULFA of Assam, ISI and Communist forces. The Church and Church sponsored terrorist organizations of Nagaland, Manipur and Assam, ISI and Islamist terrorist organizations, Maoists, pseudo-secularist Hindu political leaders and rabidly communal politicians from Christian and Muslim communities and anti-nationals working in the garb of human right activists have formed a nexus to target the Meiteis NSCN (IM) of Nagaland, UNLF of Manipur and ULFA of Assam though they have lost their ground in the areas of their operation, are still bargaining and blackmailing the respective state Governments and the Central Government. The Church is on the conversion spree of Meiteis under protective cover of Naga militant organizations. And even UNLF of Manipur and other Manipuri terrorist organizations do not oppose Church’s conversion crusade because church allegedly provides them classified information about Army and requisite resources to militant organizations for perpetuating them. The reverends and pastors are allegedly employed for performing the job of spies.
The dubious foreign NGOs have mushroomed in Manipur and Nagaland. The Chinese language study centres have been opened in both the states. Medicos Sans Frontier (MSF)- an Americal medical agency with doubtful integrity is spreading its wings in both the states Korean Christian missionaries are hired to preach the gospel to Meiteis. Meitei Christian converts are rewarded with huge money and foreign trips. The Church has declared “Manipur For Christ” which means Christianity is the only recognized religion. The Church pronounces at the top of their voice that all other religions prevalent in Manipur viz Tingkao Raguang Chapriak (TRC), indigenous religions of various Janjatis and Hindu Dharma of Meiteis are satanic leading to eternal hell fire. The Church did the same in Nagaland under the slogan-“Nagaland for Christ” and destroyed the glorious history of their forefathers, their precious religion and colorful ancient culture. Simultaneously, Muslim infiltrators are pouring. Maoists are gaining ground. And thus,
Manipur is withering away day in and day out.
Governments Apathy:- In the most atrocious way, the state Government continues to do little to either resolve the crisis or enforce the law and order by force and seem only content waiting and watching till the agitators tire out. The central Govt. too appears to be in complete apathy. Because of this, there has been a growing demand from all concerned for the imposition of Presidents Rule.
The Demonizing of Army: – The country today is faced with multi-dimensional challenges and the army has to measure up to these threats to our national security. The nation needs to accordingly equip itself with state-of-the-art weaponry and hone our skill through relentless training and immunity provided through necessary laws to deliver the required response to our adversaries, external forces and their internal stooges. In this context, it is pertinent to note that Army has to be strengthened with AFSPA to deal with internal threats posed by foreign sponsored terrorists’ organizations. But the army is being demonized by a some of Human Right activities with doubtful integrity in league with selfish political leaders. Simultaneously, Irom Chanu Sharmila of Manipur who is allegedly the mask of terrorist organizations is being glorified as iron lady. In this context, the Rashtriya Samaj is required to come forward in defence of Manipur while Meitei civil society is required to resist the divisive and dubious forces with all might to uphold the glory and cultural identity inherited from their forefathers. Manipur should not meet the fate of Nagaland where Church and insurgency are two sides of the same coin and reportedly 40,000 Nagas have lost their lives not in encounter with army but in the war of supremacy between NNC, NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K).
The Church described Naga forefathers as wild, savage, pagan, heathen, cannibal, dirty and head-hunters with satanic practices. The Church described Nagas’ eternal religions and festivals as satanic practices leading to eternal hell fire. Surprisingly, the Nagas reverends and pastors parroting the same condemnation taught and professed by Church. No community in the world condemns his forefathers as Nagas shamelessly do. The Meiteis should be aware of this conspiracy of Church and they should not allow their glorious culture and religion to be demonized by Church and its hirelings.
Michelle D’sign: Taking Naga designs forward Eastern Mirror Neidilhoutuo Sechü DIMAPUR, With Naga designers continuing to hit the right note with different traditional styles in the national as well as international level, her efforts can be definitely credited as a step forward in taking the Naga fashion scene to new heights.
While establishing a name in this industry is an uphill task, 30-year-old entrepreneur Michelle Nganga Nakhro is determined to turn things her way with her new brand of products that are distinctly unique. Her products are made of pure wool, polyester, cotton, raw silk and silk with digital printings which make them light and easily usable.
Under the brand name ‘Michelle D’sign’, marketed by West NT, her products bring a whole new collection of Naga textiles presenting a range of fine natural fabrics blending a mixture of traditional colours, texture and style, while also affording comfortable wear for any occasion. Talking to this reporter, Nakhro, who is professionally an interior designer, said it was only last year in September that she started manufacturing her products under the said brand. The response has been good in the market so far, she said, adding that this has encouraged her to go further.
“I am happy that people like my products. People outside Nagaland love our colourful traditional attires, and this really is a challenge for our designers and entrepreneurs to reach out to them,” she maintained.
‘Michelle D’sign’ products have been showcased at the 2011 Hornbill Festival. It has also been exported to New Delhi and Japan and she is preparing to send a consignment to Germany in February this year.
When asked why she opted for digitally printed products, Nakhro who is a passionate designer, said, “Traditional woven products cannot be used for all occasions since they are bulky as well as expensive; whereas digitally printed textiles are light and can be worn everyday and everywhere.”
She said her products are all to do with normal traditional clothes transformed into fine fabrics with traditional prints, making it easy for use, especially for presentations. “My products cover a wide range of shirts, ties and mufflers for men and shawls, stoles, scarves and mekhelas for women representing all Naga tribes. It is suitable for both summer and winter, and probably all seasons,” she added.
On the challenges for Naga designers and entrepreneurs in the national and international markets, Nakhro, while maintaining that Nagas should venture out globally to find the markets to export their products, said the products should be manufactured in such a way that they are suitable to any kind of climate in any part of the world. “Naga handloom and textiles have the potential to go beyond what we can dream of,” she feels.
Manufactured at Kohima, ‘Michelle D’sign’ clothes are sold in Kohima at Relax Zone, West Road Mall, and in Dimapur at NEO Store, Wemero Complex. Mention be made that Michelle Nganga Nakhro won the award for the best handloom design during the International Women’s Day 2007 in Kohima. Some of her creations have been worn by models during ‘Miss Kohima’ 2005, 2006 and 2007 and she has also designed for contestants during ‘Miss Kohima 2005’. She has also been part of the Hornbill 2010 North East Designers Contest. Michelle Nganga Nakhro who did her interior designing course at International Polytechnic for Women, South Ex in New Delhi, is also associated with XL (Event Management group for Music Task Force), ENVIENT, People’s Tree, Hill Fusion and Un-Limited besides being an event and wedding planner.
SHE NAGA Eastern Mirror
Of late, there has been a lot of discussion on women and attire. Much has been said and discussed and we ask ourselves the same question. From a woman’s point of view, how short is actually too short specially when one goes to Church? Some of
She Naga members have this to say.
ROZELLE MERO: A church is considered a place of sanctity and as such we should respect that. Our clothes and the way we wear it is often an expression of our own style but we must bear in mind that what we might wear to a party is something we might not wear to church or to a gathering where we know our elders may disapprove.
On the other hand, one can get really get creative with fashion where maybe a short skirt layered with thick leggings and stockings may be excused for young kids, but maybe grownups will have to draw the line somewhere.. rule of thumb usually is that if you keep on pulling your skirt chances are it is too short... Something else that bothers me is the skirts with slits... people often forget that if the slit is too high and you take long strides your underwear can be seen @ fingers above the knee is often a safe bet for church as well as formal interviews... In a place like Dimapur where it is hot, wearing a stocking or tights in summer is often not an option, so in cases like that maybe a skirt that isn't too short or tight fitting may be a good idea. Then when it isn't church you are wearing it to, maybe you can get just as creative as you would like. Appropriate clothing for the right occasions is a must.
SU LOT: Before I answer the question I would like to ask what defines a short dress. It is a combination referring to clothes of a particular type where we wear in a particular situation. So in my opinion I do not have problem with ladies wearing short dresses to church as long as they are not actively involved in the worship service. Why I mention 'not actively involved in worship service' well to draw an example from other denominations I actually like the Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Lutheran and Presbyterian's way because they have a ceremonial gown when they have to conduct worship services and it shows a uniformity among the clergy people which avoids unnecessary issues and helps the church to focus on bigger issues and goals and at the same time it also helps the church goers to follow a modest dress code. Even the queen of England while she has to preside over a ceremony she does it wearing the full ceremonial dress. Therefore this question about dress code is a simple one yet it is very important and unless one understands the importance of a worship service than one will not bother how he or she dresses and attends the church. And for an individual to understand the importance of worship service by merely asking to dress modestly will not help and it will defeat the very purpose of a church. Just as we want the individuals to be responsible in the same way the church too has the responsibility to help the people understand the importance of worship service and why church exists? What is the purpose of a church and where is the place of an individual in the church? And how he or she can contribute to the growth of the Church? And what is the very purpose of attending the Church? Once an Individual is made to understand his or her purpose the changes in all areas will automatically fall in place and modesty in dressing can be practiced with respect and dignity to God and to the people around and the sanctity of a worship service and the purpose of why Church exists can be fulfilled.
RUTH ARUSHA VACHHAWNG: I like what Joyce Meyer said about dressing for church, "When you are getting ready, do not look in the mirror and ask, do I look sexy but ask yourself, will this be pleasing in the sight of God?" I think as a Christian this applies even to occasions outside the church.
THEJAZO GABRIEL: A young man once came to church to play the guitar for the praise band. He came in jeans and casual T shirt and leather sandals. His explanation was that at his work place, he was always in shirts and tie and always so formal that he needed to come to church in casuals. I asked him what he would wear if the President was coming to attend the worship service. He replied that he'd be in suits wearing a tie. I reminded the young man that our God was even greater and worthy of respect than all presidents of the world. How we dress up shows how much respect we have for the person we are going to meet.
Irrespective of whether one is serving or just sitting in the pew, we ought to remind ourselves that we are all in the presence of God. To put it bluntly, we are never "out" of the presence of God whether it is inside the sanctuary, at home, at work or at play. During worship services, it is just that people gather to focus on God and worship Him thus making it sound/feel "holier."
We are not the first to be concerned about how we dress, eat, carry ourselves and get involved in a lot of things in life. We could say a lot and give a thousand opinions but as Christians, let's see what the Bible teaches us.
I Corinthians 8:13 “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that will not cause him to fall.” The same principle applies in the way we dress. If what I wear causes others to fall into sin (think of other ungodly things) I better not wear such dresses again! The Pharisees were rebuked by Jesus for their attitude. One may not commit adultery but if such thoughts have crossed your mind, it is equally sinful! Will my dressing cause others to sin?
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Our actions, our dressings- are we doing it in the name of Jesus?
Someone asked me if she should get a tattoo and if it was Biblically wrong. I asked her what her motive was. She was silent and could not reply me. If our motive is to glorify God, we would think twice, thrice about many "Clothes" we wear. In most cases, we wear "questionable" dresses because we want glory and attention for ourselves. If anything draws attention to ourselves and hinders people from worshipping God, I would have sinned. One of the fruit of the spirit is self control. We would do well to exercise "self control" in our dressing, our judgment of others and thus saving ourselves from many unwanted situations. Better to be safe than sorry.
Bible is full of wisdom and doesn't really say one mustn't wear short or revealing dresses. It teaches us wisdom on how to live and avoid such temptations. May others see the way we dress and glorify our father in heaven. (Am sure no man (even MCPs) will have anything to say against such women who dress decently.
SENTI KICHU: Let me not go at length to debate dress code as I wear only pants most of the time but in my opinion, a simple presentable and comfortable yet elegant dress of knee length is ok for church. Anything that goes higher up should be set aside for parties. You r going to church to worship God, not to show how good and alluring you look in that little mini or micro-mini dress...PERIOD!
KOZO-U COLE LASUH: My idea of a dress code when going for worship should be with all the decency a person can think of. A church is a place for worship and not for showing off. Our God is a God who must be revered and honored. No matter how much we Nagas are dress conscious, anything above the knee cannot be considered as decent for when a person's dress gets higher than the knees it calls for attention and not only that a very short dress it deprives the person of being comfortable. However, I prefer being on casuals except on certain occasions.
ZANBENI H SIMON: A church is a place where Christians comes to have fellowship with God, therefore it should be given the highest respect and devotion. To me a dress which is above the knee would be considered short if I am to say how short is too short. Parents should teach their daughters how to dress modestly to church when young, because she would then practice what she has been taught. Attire is an important part of our testimony. The way a person dresses is an indication of that person’s character and spiritual maturity.
JEKHELI KIBAMI SINGH: Dress code...what a complex issue! I'd love to believe that we go to church to worship God and to have fellowship with God's family- the body of Christ. Our aim is to be able to worship...p God in truth and in Spirit (John 4:24). This would mean working towards overcoming any distractions including seeing someone dressed in a certain way. Our faith and daily life cannot be separated. Who we are at church is/should be who we are elsewhere.
Romans 12:1-2Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Micah 6:8 the Lord requires us to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God. Personally I do not believe there should be a dress code for "ladies"; neither can I comment on how short a dress is "too short"
Frans on 01.08.12 @ 09:54 PM CST [link]
