NCCI Commission on Polity and National Governance (COP) convenes conference to draw ‘road–map’

The Commission on Polity and National Governance (COP) of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) convened a conference, at CNI Bhawan on July 14, 2004, to address the implications of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, draw up a ‘road–map’ and explore possibilities of responding proactively to the new opportunities presented by the new political scenario.

The Commission on Polity and National Governance (COP) was constituted as a part of the restructuring exercise during the XXV Quadrennial Assembly of the National Council of Churches in India held at Sarah Tucker College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu from 10th to 13th February 2004. The Commission on Polity and National Governance (COP), headed by Chairperson Rev. Enos Das Pradhan, General Secretary, Church of North India (CNI) will begin operating from the CNI Bhawan, New Delhi.

On Wednesday, responding to the urgent needs of the believers, the Commission on Polity and National Governance (COP) convened an ‘informal gathering’ of like–minded leaders of the NCCI Member churches/organizations to discuss and draw up the road–map for the Commission on Polity and National Governance.

During the inauguration of the new office of the Commission, The Rev. Dr. Ipe Joseph, General Secretary, NCCI, prayed to God to give them the strength in their ministry to build up this nation. “We pray that you make us useful instruments in your hands. Please give us strength, courage and vision. Bless us all in our activities as we cooperate in this nation building process and glorify Your name,” the reverend prayed.

Dr. K. Rajaratnam, Director, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute and former president of NCCI, inaugurated the new office by cutting the ribbon.

In his opening address, Rev. Pradhan stressed on the importance of the role of Commission on Polity and National Governance (COP) in providing a platform for building up opportunities. He also stressed on the need of meeting regularly and discussing various concerns that are of pertinence to the Christian community. “Christian representation is minimum at all levels of governance though they are he second largest minority in this nation,” the reverend said.