Be united to take India forward: Cardinal Alencherry *Mizo Baptists ordain first woman priest

Kerala, March 12, 2012: Newly appointed Cardinal George Alencherry said that every Indian should strive for unity to take the country forward.

He was speaking at his reception ceremony at St. Mary’s Basilica in Kochi Saturday.

The cardinal said that the truth, which is at the core of all religions, should be valued and given utmost importance through discussions and debates.

“Our land is enriched with diversities, and in such a scenario, everyone should strive for unity, which alone can make our country march forward,” he said.

He said that social and cultural differences must not divide people, since there are common threads that bind them together.

“The common good of mankind must be important. Each person has a role in God’s kingdom,” the cardinal added.

Around 40 bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church and other denominations were present on the occasion.

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio and Archbishop Thomas Mar Kurilos of Tiruvalla addressed the gathering.

Archbishop Francis Kallarakkal of Verapoly and secretary of the Ernakulam-Angamali Archdiocese pastoral council secretary Binu John felicitated the newly-appointed Cardinal.

Minister of State for Agriculture K. V. Thomas and Excise Minister K. Babu were among those present at the ceremony.

– ibnlive/the hindu

Mizo Baptists ordain first woman priest

Mizoram, March 12, 2012: The Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) on Sunday ordained its first woman priest after overcoming objection from its executive committee.

Last year, the committee had objected the recommendations to ordain R L Hnuni, principal of Academy of Integrated Christian Studies in Aizawl, the state capital.

However after much debates, Hnuni has been appointed as the first woman priest in Mizoram. However, she may not look after a pastoral like her male counterparts.

Rev Raltawnga, president of the Lunglei Church, ordained Hnuni during the BCM assembly. She has already made a mark as a noted theologian and an expert in the Old Testament. She had done her master and doctoral studies at the Union Theological College, Bangalore.

She has worked as a lecturer in the Aizawl Theological College and the Eastern Theological College. She was also the treasurer of the senate of Serampore College in West Bengal.

Many in Mizoram view Hnuni’s ordination as a major achievement for women in the male-dominated society of this Christian majority state in northeastern India.

-timesofindia