Aizawl: The Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM), the second-largest Christian denomination in the state, has decided to actively promote population growth, emphasising that an increase in birth rates would benefit Mizoram socially, economically, and religiously.
During its 129th General Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the BCM, delegates unanimously approved a resolution encouraging married couples within the church to have more children.
"If the current trend of declining birth rates among Mizos continues, it will have devastating consequences for our society, state, and faith," the assembly observed. "We must raise awareness about the need to increase our population."
The assembly also addressed growing concerns over drug addiction and the spread of HIV/AIDS, which have claimed many young lives in Mizoram. Delegates resolved to combat these issues alongside corruption and other social problems, urging all local BCM churches to form committees to tackle these challenges at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, a proposal to ban retired BCM pastors—who have dedicated their lives to serving the church—from entering politics was rejected. However, the assembly acknowledged public frustration with political parties, noting that even those that promise to work for the people often fail to meet expectations.
BCM has recently distanced itself from major interdenominational bodies in Mizoram. It previously withdrew from the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), an umbrella body of 16 church denominations, and declined an invitation to join the Presbyterian Church-led Mizoram People’s Forum (MPF), an election watchdog that collaborates with civil society organisations.
