Rev. Dr. Wati Aier’s life and work have shaped the landscape of theological education, reconciliation, and justice in Nagaland and beyond. This Festschrift is a tribute to his enduring legacy as a theologian, educator, and peacemaker. Through critical reflections on radical hope, justice, reconciliation, and theological education; this volume gathers the voices of friends, scholars and practitioners deeply influenced by his vision. From his pioneering role in founding the Oriental Theological Seminary to his leadership in the Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Dr. Aier’s unwavering faith and moral courage have inspired many. Engaging with themes that define his life’s work, these essays offer both scholarly depth and practical insights, challenging readers to embrace a theology that transforms communities. This book is not just an academic tribute—it is a call to continue the journey of faith, education, and peacebuilding in a world longing for justice and reconciliation.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
List of Contributors
Introduction
Joshua Lorin & James Kalong
1. Bridging Faith, Intellect, and Reconciliation: The Life and Legacy of Dr. Wati Aier
Joshua Lorin
2. Radical Hope
Aküm Longchari
3. Celebrating a Naga Visionary, Healer, Leader
Dolly Kikon
4. The Naga Struggle and the Role of the FNR
Diana Francis
5. The Power of Moral Leadership
Jan Arriens
6. The Persevering Work of Naga Leaders Waging Peace: Two Testimonies
Daniel Buttry and Ken Sehested
7. The Shattered Community: Addressing the Psychological Trauma of the Oting Massacre
Ellen C. Jamir
8. AFSPA in Nagaland: A Preliminary Theological-Ethical Interrogation
Pangernungba Kechu
9. The Church and Just Peacebuilding: Biblical Perspective
M. Sashi Jamir
10. The Art of Theological Conversation
Frank Rees
11. Christian Faith and Human Rights
Thorwald Lorenzen
12. The Future Lies in the Past: Going Backward and Reclaiming the Past
Tezenlo Thong
13. Tracing the Destiny of Menno Simon’s “Plain Sense of the Bible”: A Brief Introduction
Miyon Chung
14. “Reconciliation”: Some Pauline Insights
Koshy P. Varughese
15. A Christological Reflection in Ecclesiology for Asian Churches
Narong Tongsuk
16. Revisiting the Naga Baptist Understanding of God from a Trinitarian Perspective
Imliwabang Jamir
17. Jesus the Liberator and Reconciler: Musings in the Context of Naga People
Yangkahao Vashum
18. The Christopraxis of Cruciform Love for Kuki-Meitei Relations in Northeast India: A Proposal
James Kalong
Joshua Lorin is the Principal and Professor of World Christianity at Oriental Theological Seminary, Bade, Nagaland.
James Kalong is Dean of Academics and Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Oriental Theological Seminary, Bade, Nagaland.
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