Nagaland Baptist Church Council
In 1977, India elected its first non- Congress government, a Janata Party-led coalition, which appointed as Prime Minister Morarji Desai, a long- time Congressman disenchanted with Indira Gandhi’s dictatorial regime. In the same year NK Mukarji, India’s Cabinet Secretary under Desai, requested that a governors’ conference scheduled for December 25–26 be reconsidered because holding it on Christmas Day might send a wrong signal to religious minorities. When Desai discovered that Mukarji was a Christian, he repeatedly questioned him about why he was Christian, why his parents were Christian, and why his ancestors had converted. NK Mukarji explained that his Christian identity was largely inherited through family upbringing, just as Desai’s Hindu identity was shaped by his own family background. He said, I believe that my parents became Christian out of deep conviction. Finally, NK Mukarji questioned whether his faith had any bearing on his professional relationship with the Prime Minister. Desai acknowledged that it did not and agreed to end the discussion.
The anecdote highlights the importance of religious identity, personal conviction, religious freedom, and the principle that one’s faith stems from conviction.
The government bears a solemn responsibility to serve all citizens without discrimination, prejudice, or disregard for their religious convictions. Every administrative order must therefore be measured not merely by its efficiency or economic necessity, but also by its sensitivity to the constitutional freedoms, dignity, and conscience of the people it governs.
Yet, there are instances when government decisions appear to treat religious convictions as secondary concerns-particularly when Sundays and significant Christian observances are designated as working days, leaving Christian citizens caught between the demands of official duty and the obligations of their faith.
The spiritual significance of Sunday may not be equally understood by everyone, but that does not give room for any dismissal. While Christians affirm that every day belongs to God, Sunday holds a distinctive place in Christian life as the day when believers gather for worship, fellowship, spiritual renewal, and the strengthening of their common faith and identity. To treat Sunday merely as an interchangeable day for strikes and bandhs is to overlook the religious and communal significance it carries for millions of citizens.
When government departments, institutions, or public authorities routinely designate Sundays as working days without due consideration for Christian worship, they risk conveying the message that Christian convictions are negotiable or subordinate to administrative convenience.
While there is a concerning pattern in recent administrative decisions, we are pained to write this concern in the media. Recently, the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) expressed its opposition to the publication of the draft electoral roll under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Phek district, which was initially scheduled for 20 September 2026-a Sunday. Although the date was subsequently changed to September 21, concerns remain regarding the reported schedule for publication of the final electoral roll in Nagaland on 22 November 2026, which also falls on a Sunday. These developments warrant serious reflection.
Electoral processes are essential to democracy, and their credibility must be protected. However, democratic administration must also demonstrate sensitivity to the religious convictions of the communities it serves. There is no inherent conflict between conducting an important constitutional exercise and respecting the worship practices of citizens. Indeed, a mature democracy must be capable of accommodating both.
The matter becomes even more concerning when considered alongside the government’s reported arrangements concerning the proposed nationwide bank strike. In view of the proposed three-day bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, 2026, coinciding with the preceding weekend holidays, the government has taken steps to ensure the continuity of essential banking services. Public Sector Banks and Regional Rural Banks have reportedly been directed to function normally on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in order to safeguard the banking needs of citizens.
We acknowledge the importance of uninterrupted banking services and the government’s responsibility to protect the public interest. Economic continuity is undoubtedly necessary. However, a question of conscience must be raised: If Sunday can be designated a working day to protect economic interests, why can the same administrative sensitivity not be exercised when scheduling important government programmes and public exercises that affect the religious life of Christian citizens?
This is not an argument against economic necessity. It is an appeal against inconsistency. If Sunday is treated as flexible whenever economic or administrative interests demand it, but Christian worship is expected to yield without consideration, then the government must explain how such practices uphold the promise of equal respect for religious freedom.
The Church Cannot Remain Silent When Conscience Is Marginalized
Christians are not opposed to governance, public service, economic development, or the legitimate responsibilities of the state. Christians are integral to India’s social, educational, economic, administrative, and democratic life. They contribute to the functioning of the very institutions that occasionally require them to work on Sundays. Therefore, respecting Sunday worship is not granting a favor to Christians; it is acknowledging the dignity and constitutional freedom of citizens who faithfully contribute to the nation.
The Church does not demand privilege. It seeks fairness. The Church does not oppose the state. It calls the state to uphold its constitutional commitments. The Church does not reject public duty. It asks that public duty be administered with wisdom, sensitivity, and respect for conscience.
We therefore urge the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland, and all concerned departments to:
1. Exercise greater sensitivity when scheduling important government programmes, electoral exercises, official meetings, and public activities on Sundays and major Christian observances.
2. Review the practice of designating Sundays as working days wherever such arrangements can reasonably be avoided.
3. Ensure that administrative efficiency does not undermine religious freedom, particularly when alternative dates or arrangements are practically possible.
4. Consult religious and community representatives when public decisions have significant implications for the observance of religious commitments.
5. Uphold the constitutional promise of equality and freedom of conscience in both principle and administrative practice.
A government that hears only the demands of administration but remains deaf to the conscience of its people risks losing the moral foundation of governance. We therefore appeal to those in authority: Do not allow administrative convenience to become a quiet instrument of religious marginalization. Do not let the constitutional promise of religious freedom remain confined to the pages of law while everyday decisions communicate indifference toward the faith of citizens.
Let governance be guided by justice, inclusion, and mutual respect. Let Sundays remain a day when Christian citizens can worship without unnecessary conflict between faith and official duty.
Rev Dr Mar Pongener
General Secretary, NBCC
Dr Villo Naleo
Secretary, Social Concern, NBCC
