AIZAWL, March 28 - Remarks made by ruling Congress members during the ongoing Budget Session have apparently hurt the sentiments of pastors in the Christian-dominated State of Mizoram.
During a discussion of a private resolution of Mizo National Front legislator Er Lalrinawma that sought lifting of the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition & Control) Act, which allowed opening of wine shops, some ruling MLAs have made remarks like �The first miracle performed by Jesus was to transfor water into wine, which showed that Jesus did not disapprove wine,� �Pastors should take a little dose of liquor before delivering a sermon to make the sermons more interesting� and �There are many pastors who regularly drink liquor�.
�The remarks made by our legislators in the House were truly shocking and unbecoming for Christian MLAs. Do the pastors need to take liquor to deliver a good sermon? What un-Godly suggestion is that! Some people have interpreted the Bible to serve their own vested interests,� said Mizoram Presbyterian Synod senior executive secretary Rev Lalramliana.
Republic Veng Presbyterian Church pastor Rev C Lalbiakliana said, �I am deeply hurt by the remarks made by some MLAs in the State Assembly. A lot of people have died since the opening of liquor shops under the MLPC Act. Now, it is difficult to see who our MLAs fear more, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla or God.�
The pastor wanted the local churches to ex-communicate those MLAs who advocate opening of liquor shops in Mizoram.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA and Parliamentary Secretary K Lalrinthanga, who remarked in the State Assembly that he knew a lot of pastors who regularly drank alcohol, has made an apology on his remarks.
