ASIA/INDIA - “We must not be afraid to announce Christ’s message!”: Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, president of the Indian Bishops’ Conference encourages fearful Catholics after Hindu fundamentalist attacks and ant-Church campaigns

Thursday, 5 February 2004

AFGHANISTAN

2024-02-07
Manipur, torn by conflict, tries to reconnect the threads of dialogue

2023-12-04
The Franciscan Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Jinan celebrates the 60th anniversary of Sacrosanctum Concilium, to continue walking on the paths opened by the Second Vatican Council

2023-10-16
Prayer for the reconciliation of the peoples of Israel and Palestine

2022-02-24
Integrating refugees into society: the commitment of the Pro Bambini Association of Kabul

2021-12-18
The Barnabites, with their hearts in Kabul: "Pray for Afghanistan"

2021-12-17
Serious food crisis: 23 million people in need

Guwahati (Fides Service) – Catholics must not let attacks by Hindu fundamentalists weaken the Church’s missionary spirit, indeed this is a trial to be faced with the courage of the faith: this appeal to the Church in India was issued by Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, newly elected President of the Conference of Indian Bishops comprising prelates of all three Catholic rites in India Latin, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankar.
During a recent visit to north east Indian states of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya the scene of inter-ethnic clashes, the Cardinal called on the local Church “to continue its activity despite intimidation and atrocities suffered at the hands of members of certain sectors of society. We must never be afraid to proclaim the message of Christ ”, he said.
Local sources informed Fides that the Cardinal voiced concern for the recent attacks on Catholic structures and personnel in various parts of India and particularly the slanderous campaign being waged by certain groups to discredit the Church in the eyes of the public.
“We are shocked by these events but not demoralised”, the President of the Bishops’ Conference stated. “The Church will continue to play a positive role for the improvement of society”. Expressing gratitude for the generous activity of missionaries in the past who helped spread the Good News in India, Cardinal Toppo said: “now it is up to us to continue with confidence not fear the work they started”. Quoting Pope John Paul II he added, “a cardinal must be ready to pay the highest price for the faith and for truth and justice”.
Inviting the clergy and laity to walk and work together he said: “Each one of us must shoulder the responsibility to promote peace and harmony in society. May our hearts burn with the flame of love and faith”.
In no time Cardinal Toppo’s call delivered in a crisis area of India resounded throughout the country as far as Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, local sources told Fides. The message, welcomed by bishops, clergy and laity alike, filled all with new courage to carry on with the mission of daily witness of Christian life.
(PA) (Fides Service 5/2/2004 lines 37 words 389)