SHILLONG: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has cancelled the marriage licence of Rev. MacDonald Pyngrope, a move that adds another twist to the long-running dispute involving Mawkhar Presbyterian Church. The order, issued by the Executive Committee on June 26, came after the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian (KJP) Synod Sepngi informed the council that Rev. Pyngrope was no longer recognised as an ordained pastor under the denomination. The Synod had earlier requested the council to withdraw the licence granted to him under the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Christian Marriage) Act, 1954. Before arriving at its decision, the council examined documents submitted by both parties and also considered Rev. Pyngrope’s written response. KHADC said he was given an opportunity to explain his stand before the matter was decided.
The council made it clear that it was not deciding who was right or wrong in the dispute within the church. It said questions relating to ordination, suspension or recognition of pastors fall entirely under the authority of the KJP Synod Sepngi and not the district council. According to the Executive Committee, Rev. Pyngrope’s authority to solemnise Christian marriages was linked to his status as a recognised pastor. Once that recognition was officially withdrawn by the church, the basis for granting the marriage licence no longer existed.On that ground, the council exercised its powers under the relevant provisions of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Christian Marriage) Act, 1954, along with the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, and ordered that the licence be revoked with immediate effect.
The Executive Committee also stressed that its order should not be viewed as an endorsement of the Synod’s decision or a verdict on the internal conflict within Mawkhar Presbyterian Church. It said its role was limited to carrying out its statutory responsibilities under the marriage laws.