Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) – India’s National Minority Commission comprising representatives of the different of ethnic and religious minorities, has called on Christian church leaders in India to work to defend the right to religious freedom sanctioned by the Constitution. Christians 25 million, 2.5% of the national population, run 17% of the country’s education services. The Commission, notes the qualified service provided and affirms that “Christians play a key role in the cultural and political growth of the nation”.
At a meeting of the Commission on 5 November at Guwahati (Assam state in east India) the Christian representative V.V. Augustine explained the Commission must strive to close the gap between minority and majority ethnic and religious groups through dialogue and shared plans of action. Minority groups for their part must elaborate a common platform to guarantee individual identities.
Augustine said an important aspect is sensitisation and formation of young people who must be educated to assume responsibility in civil and political administration. For those coming from poor families unable to afford higher studies, scholarship must be provided
The Meeting of the Minority Commission, held in a part of India where there is latent tension between the Hindu majority and ethnic and religious minorities, closed with an interreligious prayer service with Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims. “We rejoice for the existing harmony among religions: let us respect and love one another”, said Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati who represented the Catholic community at the meeting. The participants agreed that a message of peace and social harmony must rise from every church, mosque, temple, shrine and monastery. (PA) (Fides Service 8/11/2003 lines 26 words 258)
