1

Topic : North East India Christian Council (NEICC)

Course : Ecumenical Movements

1. INTRODUCTION
The ecumenical movement had made a very good contribution in the North Eastern part of India
even though it is hard to reach the places due to the differences of the landscape from the
mainland India. The North East India Christian Council (NEICC) is an ecumenical body of 37
protestant churches and 18 Para-church organizations, covering the 7- sister states of the North
East India. The churches come together to maintain respect and solidarity, resolved to uphold
dignity, decorum and vision, united in mission and witness, enjoying and manifesting oneness in
Jesus Christ. They play a vital role in bringing and cultivating the Christian teaching of unity in
diversity. Thus focus and investigation will be done about this ecumenical body.

2. A BRIEF HISTORY
The North East Indian Christian Council became one of the most important agencies in India after
the post- Independence. It has its origins in the Bengal-Assam Christian Council which was
formed in 1926. A Joint Conference of Churches and Missions in Assam which was held in 1937
decided to form a separate body for that region; hence the Assam Christian Council (ACC) was
formed the following year. It was under the umbrella of Bengal Christian Council (BCC). 1 But,
there arise an issues and problems that were not the same with the context of Assam and Bengal. It
did not take long for the leaders to in the regions to realize the futility of staying in that council.
The American Baptist withdrawn from the body while the Welsh Presbyterian continued to stay
on with Bengal Christina Council. In the year 1962, the name of the Council was changed from
Assam Christian Council to North East Indian Christian Council. It is affiliated to National
Council of Churches in India.2

3. COMPOSITION OF NEICC
3.1. The Office Bearers:
The Board has Office Bearers consisting of President and two vice presidents, secretary and
treasurer. Except Secretary for three years all other office bearers’ term are for two years. The
OBs from different denominational churches are:3
President : Rev. R. Lalnunzira, - Baptist Church of Mizoram- (Mizoram)
Vice President: Rev. S. R. Dkhar- Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Church Synod (Meghalaya)
Vice President: Bishop Ichahak Muchahary Boro Evangelical Lutheran Church (Assam)
General Secretary (Full-time): Rev. Dr. Ramengliana- Manipur Presbyterian Church Synod,
Manipur Secretary
Treasurer: Rev. R.T. Shangdiar- Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Church Synod Sepngi,
Meghalaya.

1
Frederick. S. Downs, Christianity in North East India (New Delhi: Indian Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge, 1983), 55.
2
www.neiccshillong.in/a-brief-history.com. (Access on February12, 2024)
3
https://www.neiccshillong.in/office-bearers-2018-2020/ (Access on February12, 2024)
 2

In 2019, it has 52 constituent units that include 35 churches and 17 Para-church organizations.
North East India Christian Council Women Assembly (NEICCWA) and North East India Youth
Assembly (NEICCYA) are the two wings of NEICC. The NEICC has two on-going projects:
Union Christian College and Union Christian College Higher Secondary School at Umiam Khwan
(Barapani), Meghalaya.4 It is representing around 35 lakh members.5

3.2. Annual Session / Biennial Session:

The Board meets once a year in the third week of May, in which every member and associate
members to send their representatives upon the recommendation of the Council. In 2012 the
Council celebrated its 75th anniversary and the session passed a biennial session starting from
2012, and the first session will be in 2014.

3.3. Associate Members:6

There are also 17 associate members under North East Indian Christian Council namely; Campus
Crusade for Christ –NEI (CCC), Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Friends
Missionary Prayer Band (FMPB), India Every Home Crusade (IEHC), Mizo Theological
Association (MTA), North East Centre for Training and Research (NECTAR), North East India
Christian Endeavour (NEICE), North East India Committee on Relief and Development
(NEICORD), North East India Harvest Network (NEIHN), Serving in Mission North East India
(SIMNEI), Shillong Christian Youth Organization and Conference (SCYO &C), Student Christian
Movement, North East India (SCM-NEI), Thlarau Bo Zawngtute (TBZ), The Leprosy Mission
Mizoram (TLM), World Vision of India (NEI Zone), Young Men Christian Association (YMCA)
and Zoram Evangelical Fellowship (ZEF).

3.4. Committees under the Board:7

1) Executive Committee.
2) Working Committee.

There are six permanent committees which are as follows-

1) Peace and Justice Committee.
2) Mission & Evangelism Committee.
3) Land and Property Committee.
4) Theological Education Committee.
5) Church Union Committee.
6) Christian Home and Stewardship Committee.

4. BASIS OF NEICC:8

4
https://www.neiccshillong.in/a-brief-history/ (Access on February12, 2024)
5
https://www.neiccshillong.in/neicc-expressed-its-grievance-at-unsavoury-and-distressing-comments-in-lok-
sabha/ (Access on February12, 2024)
6
http://www.neiccshillong.in/associate-members.com. (Access on February12, 2024)
7
https://en.google-info.org/40921233/1/north-east-india-christian-council.html. (Access on February12,
2024)
8
https://ncci1914.com/regional-christian-councils/#toggle-id-11 (Access on February12, 2024)
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1. The Council is established on the Principle that Church is central in the Christian enterprise that
the local congregation is basic to its life and witness and that carrying out God’s holistic mission
is its primary task.
2. Churches, Missions, Christian organizations/ societies/ associations which are associated shall
undertake to observe the rule of comity as interpreted by the Council.
3. The Council is established for mutual consultation and assistance in all matters affecting the
Christian enterprise.

5. OBJECTS AND FUNCTIONS of NEICC:9

1. To encourage Christian Fellowship, co-operation and Comity by common counsel among the
various bodies in North East India, aiming at a Church Union.
2. To promote co-operation and united action in matters of common interest.
3. To help in creating, formulating and maintaining Christian public opinion and to take such
actions as may be deemed necessary on the social, moral and other questions of the day.
4. To consult, advice, assist and act with or on behalf of the constituent bodies, if required by them
to do so.
5. To co-operate with other regional Christian Church/Councils as necessity arises, in matters
affecting Christian life and ministry as a whole for the purpose of the growth of the Churches in its
ecumenical endeavour.
6. To take all possible steps to give effect to the principle that in the Christian enterprise the
Church is central and permanent.

6. ROLE AND CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ECUMENISM IN NORTH-EAST INDIA:

6.1. NEICC Statement on Church unity, Social concerns and Religious harmony10
The ninety two participants, representing various Churches and Christian Organizations under the
umbrella of NEICC, in the one day seminar organized by the NEICC on April 19, 2017,
deliberated on the theme of the seminar through five paper presentations-
1. “Problems and prospects of Church Unity”, presented by Rev. Dr. R. Zolawma.
2. “The Role of Theological Education in Church Unity”, presented by Rev. Dr. Kethozelhou
Keyho.
3. “Gender Inclusive participation in the Church’s Ministry”, presented by Mrs. Gloria
Patricia Pohsna.
4. “Church’s Role in Social Concern”, presented by Mr L. Meru.
5. “Religious Harmony”, presented by Rev. Dr. B.J. Syiemlieh.
After the deliberations, it was found that Churches in NE India need to:
1. Seriously rethink and review the idea and prospects of Church unity by looking at the
possibility of having Church councils at state level. It is proposed that NEICC shall
restructure itself to meet the objective.

9
https://ncci1914.com/regional-christian-councils/#toggle-id-11 (Access on February12, 2024)
10
https://ncci1914.com/3118/2017/04/26/statements.com. (Access on February12, 2024)
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2. Encourage theological institutions under Churches within the NEICC to reflect and address
the issues and challenges faced by Churches in the region without dispensing the universal
outlook of the Church.
3. Promote gender inclusive participation in the ministry of the Church based on a
constructive interpretation of the Bible and a critical analysis of the cultural traditions and
social customs.
4. Be proactive in addressing social, economic and environmental issues confronting the
church and society today ranging from corruption, HIV/AIDS, and the preservation of the
environment.
5. To study the rising trend of religious intolerance in the country and to develop strategies to
foster cordial relationship between different faiths.
6.2. Union Christian College (UCC)
In NEICC work in College, Christian College Union in Umiam Barapani Kwan, Ri Bhoi district,
Meghalaya, 27 km from Shillong. It is a fully residential and co-educational. It offers courses in
arts and science at the higher secondary level and degree level. It was placed under a systemic
deficit of the government of Meghalaya. The chaplain and the doctor wrote to take care of the
spiritual and physical life. The College is affiliated to North Eastern Hill University (NEHU). 11
The classes for Intermediate Arts 1st year started on 14th August 1952 with just one student and
four members of staff (excluding principal) at Barapani, a few kilometers away from Shillong
City. The College grew by leaps and bounds not only quantitatively but also qualitatively offering
under-graduate and graduate courses in Arts, Science and Commerce. By the end of 2008, the
enrolment was 639 students representing the seven sister states and also the kingdom of Bhutan
with almost all the tribes in the region.12
6.3. NEICC Day of Prayer
Permanent date for the NEICC Day of prayer is fixed on the 3rd Sunday of October every year.
All institutions must observe this day annually, and in the collections of this special day should be
sent to the office NEICC for overall control.13

7. STRENGTHS OF NEICC14
7.1. A Bridge-builder:
NEICC aims to promote fellowship and cooperation among Christian bodies in NEI, fostering
unity through shared counsel. It facilitates collaboration in areas like education, publishing
Christian literature, and preaching the Gospel. Additionally, NEICC acts as a bridge between
different Christian and faith communities, encouraging them to come together, share ideas, and
cooperate on common interests and concerns.

7.2. Unity in Diversity:

Close to the above is the unity in diversity that exists in the NEICC. The NEICC gives a sense of
solidarity among the various denominations in NEI. There is a general feeling of being together

11
https://ncci1914.com/3118/2017/04/26/statements.com. (Access on February12, 2024)
12
M. Thangkhosei Haokip, A History of Ecumenical Movement in North East India: With reference to the
North East India Christian Council (New Delhi: ISPCK, 2015), 189
13
https://ncci1914.com/3118/2017/04/26/statements.com. (Access on February12, 2024)
14
Haokip, A History of Ecumenical Movement in North East India…, 189-190.
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though they are many and varied. Almost all the Protestant churches/ denominations are involved.
More involvement is possible in the future. It is doing well as it is than many church types of
council elsewhere. The NEI churches in general cooperate well.

7.3. Location and Infrastructure: The head office of NEICC at Shillong (Meghalaya) is situated
in the central part of the region and is accessible by all. Moreover, it has a strong support from the
churches nearby such as the Presbyterian Churches, the Church of God, the Church of North India,
North East Branch and others in and around Shillong. It has building and vehicle of its own where
the work can be carried by the staff without being a burden to some churches.

7.4. Committed Member Churches and Staff: It brings different churches to have fellowship in
worship and committee level. It represents member churches in the society at large. If there is any
success of the Council, the credit should go to the members of the Council for their support and
making it successful and also meaningful. Also, the staff, i.e., the Secretary and his team members
of the office bearers and the office staff should share the credit of the joy of accomplishments.

7.5. Brand Name and Existential: The brand name of covering the entire region gives NEICC
significant strength. It existed as a platform for churches before many current ones were
established, and it’s recognized by various local, national, regional, and international
organizations. The NEICC, representing the majority of Christians in the region, is crucial for
unity. It has become the main organization for Christians after independence, covering the
interests of various denominations in the North East. Many believe that NEICC has effectively
served its purpose and should continue to do so in the future.

8. NEICC AND OPPORTUNITIES15

8.1. Common Platform: NEICC is crucial in today's cooperative world, serving as the exclusive
platform in NEI for unified discussions among churches, fostering unity, understanding, and
collaboration for a broader ministry in the region, and actively promoting the welfare of its
member bodies.

8.2. Church Visit on Regular Basis: The secretary or worker should visit member churches and
share the vision of NEICC and the Churches’ mission and give awareness of the need to come
together. Efforts should be made for churches of different denominations and ecclesiastical
backgrounds to visit one another in important programmes on a regular basis that will enhance
relationship.

8.3. Seminar and Conferences: Organize diverse events on Christianity issues, boost financial
support, and coordinate joint programs. Conduct region-specific seminars, workshops, and
dialogues to address challenges and promote unity. Include an ecumenical agenda in meetings,
addressing issues like language differences and political crises. Emphasize unity, raise awareness
on current realities, and encourage collaboration to combat social issues in member churches.

8.4. Strengthen Networking:

15
Haokip, A History of Ecumenical Movement in North East India…, 193-194.
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Establish better networking with ecumenical organizations and strive for common programs in the
context of the changing society. All the churches should whole heartedly support and participate.
NEICC must network properly with all the denominations' assembly to work together. It should be
a forum where leaders of different churches meet to discuss the idea of developing cooperation in
educational institutions, theological institutions, cultural exchange programmes, pulpit exchange
ministry, etc.

8.5. Pooling of Resources:

Efforts should be made to pool resources of the churches for common mission projects. There is a
serious need of establishing a common theological research centre, peace centre, equal
participation of men and women, ecumenical centre for promoting ecumenical education, human
rights, etc. Also, the prospect of partnership in big common projects such as in education and in
mission becomes brighter.

8.6. Expansion of Influence:

To boost active involvement from member churches, it's important to broaden the executive
committee's representation. Additionally, expanding membership to include diverse Christian
groups like evangelicals, Pentecostals, Charismatics, fundamentalists, etc., is crucial. The NEICC
has the potential to lead and unite various Christian bodies in activities such as theological
education, collaborative missions, educational projects, and social initiatives.

8.7. Council of Churches: Some leaders believe it's time to change the Council's structure to
include churches from various denominations, making it more inclusive. This idea has been under
discussion for a few years, and it’s expected that the Council will approve it soon. The goal is for
the Council to play a more active role in the region's development, similar to National Councils of
Churches in other countries.

8.8. Joint Celebrations of Important Common Programmes and Advocacy: It is felt by many
that it has become a mere forum where different leaders come together for common experience.
More positive mind towards other church organization in NEI is hoped to be inculcated. There is a
great scope to act on behalf of the churches in peace efforts, relief work, human rights,
emancipation of the discriminated, theological formation, etc. It is almost impossible to merge
together but they can work together in promoting peace among people.

9. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the North East Indian Christian Council (NEICC), tracing its roots to the Assam
Christian Council in 1926, has undergone significant evolution. Affiliated with the National
Council of Churches in India, it has emerged as a key agency, fostering unity among diverse
denominations and addressing social issues. The NEICC’s annual sessions, associate members,
and committees contribute to its effective functioning. Looking forward, there are opportunities to
strengthen its influence by serving as a common platform for unified discussions, organizing
events, expanding membership, and engaging in joint celebrations. The NEICC remains pivotal,
adapting to meet the changing needs of the region’s Christian community.

BIBLIOGGRAPHY
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Downs, Frederick. S. Christianity in North East India. New Delhi: Indian Society for Promoting
Christian Knowledge, 1983.
Haokip, M. Thangkhosei. A History of Ecumenical Movement in North East India: With reference
to the North East India Christian Council. New Delhi: ISPCK, 2015.

WEBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.neiccshillong.in/associate-members.com. (Access on February12, 2024)

https://en.google-info.org/40921233/1/north-east-india-christian-council.html. (Access on
February12, 2024)
https://ncci1914.com/3118/2017/04/26/statements.com. (Access on February12, 2024)
https://ncci1914.com/regional-christian-councils/#toggle-id-11 (Access on February12, 2024)
https://www.neiccshillong.in/neicc-expressed-its-grievance-at-unsavoury-and-distressing-
comments-in-lok-sabha/ (Access on February12, 2024)
https://www.neiccshillong.in/office-bearers-2018-2020/ (Access on February12, 2024)
www.neiccshillong.in/a-brief-history.com. 31st March, 2021.