The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has revoked the marriage licence of Rev MacDonald Pyngrope, the pastor of Mawkhar Presbyterian Church, following a petition submitted by the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian (KJP) Synod Sepngi. The council’s Executive Committee (EC) issued an order on June 26, revoking the licence with immediate effect, citing that Rev Pyngrope’s episcopal ordination and recognition as a pastor had been withdrawn by the KJP Synod Sepngi. This decision was made after the KJP Synod Sepngi informed the council that Rev Pyngrope was no longer authorised by the denomination to solemnise Christian marriages.
The EC stated that it examined the petition, the written reply submitted by Rev Pyngrope, and the relevant legal provisions before arriving at its decision. The council maintained that the principles of natural justice were fully observed during the proceedings, and Rev Pyngrope was given adequate opportunity to present his case. The EC clarified that it has no authority to adjudicate ecclesiastical matters, and its decision was not based on an examination of the merits of the church’s action, but on the fact that the ecclesiastical authority had formally withdrawn Rev Pyngrope’s recognition.
The marriage licence had been granted on the basis of Rev Pyngrope’s status as a duly ordained and recognised pastor, and with that recognition no longer in force, the very basis on which the licence was issued ceased to exist. Consequently, the EC exercised its powers under the applicable marriage laws and revoked the licence with immediate effect. The order emphasised that the decision should not be interpreted as a ruling on the ongoing dispute within the church or on the validity of the Synod’s decision to withdraw ordination.
The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing controversy surrounding Mawkhar Presbyterian Church over the alleged misappropriation of church funds amounting to more than Rs 4 crore. The issue has triggered a prolonged dispute within the congregation, and between Rev MacDonald Pyngrope and the KJP Synod Sepngi, drawing significant public attention in recent months.
