KHADC revokes marriage license of pastor after church withdraws ordination

SHILLONG, JUL 3: The VPP-led executive committee in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has revoked the marriage licence granted to Macdonald Pyngrope with immediate effect, following the withdrawal of his episcopal ordination by the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Sepngi.

In an order issued on June 26, the executive committee said the decision was taken under Sections 3 and 4 of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Christian Marriage) Act, 1954, read with Section 6 of the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, which empower the KHADC to grant and revoke Marriage Licences within the Khasi Hills Autonomous District.

The action follows a petition submitted by the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Sepngi on November 28, 2025, requesting revocation of Pyngrope’s licence “on the ground that his episcopal ordination had been withdrawn by the competent ecclesiastical authority and that he was no longer recognised by the Church as a Pastor authorised to solemnize Christian marriages.”

According to the order, the EC issued a notice to Pyngrope, who subsequently “submitted his written reply together with the documents relied upon by him.”

The EC said it “carefully considered the representation of the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Sepngi, the written reply of Shri. Macdonald Pyngrope, the documents submitted by both parties and all other relevant records placed before it.”

The order clarified that the KHADC has not examined the Church’s internal decision.

“Matters relating to the conferment, suspension or withdrawal of episcopal ordination are purely ecclesiastical matters falling exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Sepngi,” it stated.

“The Executive Committee neither interferes nor exercises any jurisdiction to adjudicate upon the internal religious affairs or ecclesiastical governance of the Church.”

However, the EC noted that the Marriage Licence was originally issued to Pyngrope “in his capacity as a duly ordained and recognised Pastor authorised to solemnize Christian marriages.” With the Synod officially informing the KHADC that his ordination has been withdrawn, “the very basis upon which the Marriage Licence was granted no longer subsists,” the order said.

“Consequently, the EC is satisfied that the continuance of the said marriage licence is no longer warranted,” it added.

The EC stated that Pyngrope “was afforded a reasonable opportunity of being heard and that the requirements of the principles of natural justice have been fully complied with.”

“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 3 and 4 of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Christian Marriage) Act, 1954, read with Section 6 of the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, the Executive Committee hereby revokes the Marriage Licence granted to Shri. Macdonald Pyngrope with immediate effect,” the order read.

The KHADC further clarified that the order “shall not be construed as adjudication upon any ecclesiastical dispute or the validity of the decision of the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Sepngi regarding the withdrawal of episcopal ordination.”

The EC said it “has confined its consideration solely to the exercise of its statutory powers under the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills District (Christian Marriage) Act, 1954 and the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.”

The order was issued by the Executive Members in charge of Law & Legal Matters and Elaka Administration of the KHADC.

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