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AICC Launches Kandhamal District chapter in Orissa |
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Written by Correspondant
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Friday, 15 January 2010 |
 About 130 Christians from more than a dozen church denominations and NGOs met at Raikia Roman Catholic church in Kandhamal, Orissa on January 15, 2010.
The different churches, denominations, missions, and charity groups came together to form a Kandhamal district chapter of the All India Christian Council. Speakers included Rev. Harish, aicc Regional Secretary, and Rev. P.R. Parichha, aicc Orissa president.
A quick overview of aicc’s recent work in the area – in partnership with member organisations – was given. Highlights included massive relief distribution among victims, ongoing rebuilding of churches and houses, rebuilding the community through English Medium schools (three exist in Kandhamal) as well as a health care initiative thru each school, 27 businesses restarted in Baminigaon, Rs. 20 lakhs loan given to people throughout the area, continued legal action by aicc in partnership with Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), trauma counseling teams which worked in different villages for some time, the High Court verdict on an aicc lawsuit which allowed charities and private organisations to provide relief, and aicc’s role in hosting journalists as well as Western diplomats doing fact finding.
Attendees also included two serving sarpanchs – one male and the female, one lady Zilla Parishad member, a lecturer of a local college, and a leader of Nari Sangha. One member of the Christian press was present. An HRLN social worker said their organisation is focused on protecting people who receive death threats for witnessing in the fast track courts. Also, there are six Christians still languishing in jail who should be given bail.
The presence of 3 nuns in the meeting was a highlight. Lunch was shared by all after the meeting.
The following churches, denominations, NGOs, and missions were represented in the aicc district chapter formation meeting:
- Roman Catholic
- Baptist
- Church of North India (CNI)
- Pentecostal
- New Vision India
- Jana Kalyan Samiti
- Nari Sangha
- Believers Church (GFA)
- Kui Baptist Church
- Bible Centre Ministries
- Grace Mission India
- Kondhmal Baptist
- Good Shepherd Community Church (GSCC)
- Sisters of Roman Catholic Church
- India Evangelical Association (IEA)
(Source: aicc report, January 15, 2010) |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 01 February 2010 )
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