Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – The anti-Christian violence in Orissa is at risk for spreading to other states in the nation. The violence has been unanimously condemned and everything possible should be done to end it. This is what the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) said after a series of attacks were carried out on Christian places of worship allegedly by the Bajrang Dal and other extremist groups in various parts of Karnataka on Sunday, September 14.
Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, President of the CBCI, firmly condemned the attacks and said that “the heightened attacks on Christians, their dwellings and places of worship in different parts of the country are the manifestation of the growing intolerance of certain sections of society that blatantly defy the constitutional rights of the citizens of this country. We ask them to desist from such provocation of religious minorities in India and follow a path of dialogue and dignified approach to sorting out any social, religious and political issues.”
The Bishops reiterate their stand that they abhor violence as it undermines civilized form of living, “and we, as a nation, cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into the vortex of primitive instincts of conflict and destruction. The Christian community in India has been conducting itself in a peaceful manner all this while, and even under extreme provocation it has exercised restraint. However, it is not to be construed as weakness, but a preferred option based on sound principles of civilized living. The Christian community continues to render its services to all sections of Indian society without any discrimination. Nevertheless, baseless allegations of fraudulent conversion have been hurled at it for long by certain vested interests whose chief agenda seems to be social polarization on the lines of religious beliefs. We, as responsible citizens of India, will not succumb to their divisive tactics, but continue to work, in the spirit of Christ our Master, for the unity, integrity and progress of the nation.”
The Bishops also condemned the serial bomb blasts in Delhi on Saturday evening that claimed 22 innocent lives and injured scores of people. The militant group “Indian Mujaheddin” has claimed responsibility for the attacks.
The Church has expressed its condolences for the victims and solidarity with their families, affirming that “the bomb blast in Delhi is a dastardly act by those who have scant regard for human life and its sanctity; and as a civilized society, we must endeavor to defeat such nefarious designs of the misguided elements of society.”
The Bishops also said they would pray for the victims and their families, with the special prayer intention for peace and social reconciliation in the country. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/9/2008)
