Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bhubaneshwar (Agenzia Fides) – The second wave of anti-Christian attacks in Orissa, reported in late August 2008, has been much worse than that of December 2007. It has been much more violent and unfounded. This is all part of a “master plan to eliminate Christians from Orissa,” put in motion by certain given pretexts for unleashing the violence. This is what was stated by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Cuttack- Bhubaneshwar (Orissa’s capital city) in a detailed report sent to Agenzia Fides and present in its entirety on our website (see link below). The report gives an account of the events that have taken place, including those of 2007, which the Bishop reported on earlier in the year (see Fides 30/1/2008).
The Archbishop recalls the events, mentions the warnings that have been issued in the past, indicates the real responsibilities, asks for the protection of the authorities, and invites the Hindu faithful to renounce any form of violence, addressing especially the fundamentalists.
Archbishop Cheenath, while verifying and condemning the indescribable violence that has taken place, responds with a fraternal spirit: “In spite of the second wave of persecution and forceful conversion into Hinduism under threat of death, I am confident that our people will group together as soon as normalcy is established and security is assured. We forgive all who, out of misguided zeal and misinformation, have inflicted this tragedy on the Christian community. We welcome all to form a new, renewed and vibrant community based on love and brotherhood. The church in Orissa will flourish and shine gloriously because it has been purified by the fire of persecution. It shall rise again in the glory of the resurrection of the Lord.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/9/2008)
