Wati Aier
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Wati Aier | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1948 (age 77–78) |
| Occupation | Theologian |
| Spouse | Alongla Aier |
Wati Aier (born 1948) is a Naga theologian.[1] He is the Convenor of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation,[2] and a former Vice President of the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation.[3]
On Aier's ministry, Chongpongmeren Jamir writes that he was the first Naga theologian to "clearly expound the need for socio-political engagement of the church" in society. In his 1989 book, A Cry from the Rice Fields: A call of freedom for the Nagas, Aier wrote,
"The Church must witness with more than words. Through the life, service and, sacrifice of their members, they must make their contribution to justice and peace, to the improvements of human conditions, and to the care of the needy and of the homeless. They must serve humbly the needs of the less developed peoples. In persecution and oppression, they can still witness to the spiritual freedom which their members enjoy".[1]
Oriental Theological Seminary
In 1991, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council gave Aier the responsibility to start and build the Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) from scratch. Bade village in Chümoukedima District donated the land for the seminary. Aier along with his wife, Alongla Aier, began with clearing the forested area. Thereafter, they began with setting thatched-roof classrooms. Wati Aier cooked for the students joined them for weekly football matches and played the trumpet in the seminary choir. He also wrote and composed several songs for the OTS choir[4] who sang them at reconciliation meetings. In his own words, they are songs of forgiveness and common belonging; songs of approaching a shared future.[5]
On 27 May 2017, he retired as the Principal of the Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) after 26 years in the position. The incoming Principal of the Seminary, Joshua Lorin, announced that the OTS library will be renamed the Wati Aier Peace Library.[4] After retirement, Aier became the Emeritus Professor of Constructive Theology and Philosophy at OTS.[6]