The Baptist Church in Meghalaya on February 24 said that no political party has offered it any “money or sops” ahead of February 27 assembly polls to influence its members.
The statement comes a day after Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons rubbished the contention of Congress Presi- dent Rahul Gandhi that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was trying to buy the churches in this poll-bound state.
“No political party has offered any money or sops to the apex Baptist Church organisation with a view to influencing our members.
Separation of Church and State is one of the distinctive (features) of the Baptist Church polity,” said Rev.J.R.Sang- ma, the general secretary of the Garo Baptist Convention, in a statement.
“The Garo Baptist Church is apolitical and neutral in its political dealings.” Sangma said.
