Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bombay (Agenzia Fides) - According to Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, widespread organized attacks in an attempt to upset the Church’s presence in India could form part of an ulterior plan of some Hindu radicalist groups. The aim of the campaign may be an effort to place obstacles in the Church’s presence in India, increasingly marginalizing it, and reducing its influence in society.
The Cardinal publicly expressed his concern almost four months after the attacks that have been suffered by Catholics in Orissa (east-central India) and that have left profound wounds, pain, and uncertainty among local Catholics. Several people have died, others are injured, and thousands have had to flee from their homes (see Fides 20/1/2008). Cardinal Gracias, President of the Conference of Latin Rite Bishops of India, after having read reports and examined official government documents, said that, “the events in Orissa seem to be expressly planned attacks. What most concerns me, taking into account the vastness and territorial connections of India, is that what happened in Orissa could be part of a wider scheme, aimed at creating difficulties for the Church here and elsewhere.” He also made reference to the recent episodes of violence against religious.
The Hindu leaders, he said, are not able to control the most extremist and radical branches. In short, the danger is in the spread of the “virus of cristianophobia” (see Fides 2/4/2008), especially when interreligious relations are also deteriorating due to recent legal measures that, in some Indian states, forbid conversions and foster discrimination of religious minority groups. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2008 righe 21, parole 256)
