Churches in North East India were called to reaffirm the Christian-based prophetical and preferential option for the poor in challenging the negative impacts of tourism and development in the region.
A consultation on 'Churches' Response to Development and Tourism' in Shillong underlined the need for Christians to respond "wisely and constructively" in the context of the massive changes occurring in the NE India region today.
One of the objectives of the consultation was to review the 'Look East' policy of India and its impact on the communities.
In his keynote address, Dr. PBM Basaiawmoit, the Vice President of NCCI, gave a fervent call to Churches to "respond with moral and ethical force" while countering the impact of tourism and development on communities in the region.
He called on the policy makers, legislative, judicial, and executive wings of the states and the academic fraternity to join hands to ensure a world of 'just-peace'.
"Time is now before it is too late to save the land, peoples and others of creation in the entire NEI region. Let us all get prophetically engaged in this important activity as mission of God and mission to the society," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Caesar D' Mello, Executive Director, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism, proposed 'Community-based Tourism' as an alternative tourism model to combat the commercialisation of culture and identities of the natives.
Such a model he said will "help local communities at large especially in terms of economical sustainability and viability."
Rev. Dr. Edwin Kharkongor of the Marin Luther Christian University said there was a need for the discussion on development and tourism to reach common people at the grassroots level.
The consultation was organised by the Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism (ECOT) in partnership with the NCCI and the Presbyterian Churches in India (PCI).
Meghalaya's Minister for Education and Tourism, Ms Ampareen Lyngdoh, was the chief guest at the inaugural session on March 29.
Most Popular
-
Chhattisgarh Youth Forum to stage mass protest over unresolved attacks on Christians in Bijapur
-
National Ecumenical Bishops' Fellowship meeting calls for unity and minority rights protection
-
Arvind Kejriwal resigns as Delhi Chief Minister, Atishi to take helm
-
Muslim donor denied blood donation for Hindu woman at MP hospital sparks controversy
-
Minister's claims of ancient Indian discovery of America spark controversy