At the time, the population of the island (now over 500,000, of whom 73% are Prot, 18% RCath, and 7% Muslim) adhered to the ancestral religion. Until 1900, when the Dutch colonial power came in, growth was slow (706 in 1890). From 1916 to 1929 the Christian community on Nias experienced a great revival which resulted in accelerated growth. In 1936 the first Synod of the Banua Niha Keriso Protestan (BNKP, Christian Church of Nias, 1996 340,000 members) convened. After several secessions had occurred (cf. AMIN, BNKP), a number of congr split off from the BNKP in 1952, under the leadership of four ministers, because they felt neglected, especially in the field of pastoral care. However, traditional social structures played a role, for the ONKP membership belongs in great part to two clans. The congrare independent in financial matters. The relationship with the BNKP was long strained. The church considers April 16, 1952, as its birthday.
|
