ASIA/INDIA - Fasting and prayer yesterday, in all the Christian communities of India, praying for peace in Orissa; no violence, but rather friendship and solidarity among believers of different religions. Indian Bishops’ Spokesman tells Agenzia Fides his testimony.

New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – “Throughout the entire country, Christians of all confessions have prayed and fasted for peace in Orissa. The Day for Fasting and Prayer organized by the Catholic Church to take place on September 7 has had a large number of participants. The churches remained open all day and were filled with faithful from dawn until dusk, and in some cities there were also silent and peaceful demonstrations through the streets.” This was how Fr. Babu Joseph, Spokesman for the Indian Catholic Bishops’ Conference described the event, in a conversation with Agenzia Fides.
“In Orissa, where violent reactions from fundamentalist groups were feared, everything went the best it could and there was no violence, thanks to the large envoy of policemen that kept guard at the churches. In Orissa’s capital city of Bhubaneshwar, there was an interreligious encounter held as well, between Christian and Hindu leaders, reaffirming their ‘no’ to any violence against human beings and mutual respect for religious communities. Through this event, they have tried to deactivate the ideological mechanism and the use of the Hindu religion by fundamentalist groups to justify their violence on grounds of faith. In the district of Kahandamal, where there has been violence in recent days, there have been no reported conflicts, although the situation is still tense. The Christians are living in refugee camps provided by the government, in very difficult circumstances. The faithful continue to be threatened. The churches have begun some aid efforts for the refugees, however large-scale aid operations are being made impossible, due to the fact that the places are not very safe and there is not enough protection. Further attacks from the extremists are feared.”
In the Indian capital city of New Delhi, as well, the Day of Fasting and Prayer has gone well, with special Masses for peace in Orissa held in all the Churches. The Spokesman concluded, saying, “we have received messages and gestures of kindness and solidarity from members of other religious communities, such as Hindus, Muslims, and Sikh. The Church is seeking the support of civil society in India in disarming and stopping the radical groups responsible for the violence.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2008)