Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bhopal (Agenzia Fides) – Anti-Christian violence continues and the Catholic Church is concerned. Episodes of violence have taken place in recent days in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Through Agenzia Fides, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has communicated the most recent grave occurrence. Yesterday, September 18, the Catholic Cathedral in the city of Jabalpur (Diocese of Jabalpur), in the state of Madhya Pradesh (central India) was set afire at 8:15pm by a small group of fundamentalists who entered the church, poured gasoline everywhere, and set it on fire. The Cathedral, which was dedicated to Sts. Peter and Paul, has been almost entirely destroyed. As this is the Year of St. Paul, it had become a center for the promotion of Pauline spirituality, hosting encounters, celebrations, and pastoral activities dedicated to the Apostle to the Gentiles. The main altar, the statues of saints, books and sacred objects, pews and other items of wood, even the beams that held up the structure, have all been burned down.
The local Church sources tell Fides that thanks be to God, there have been no victims, however they confirm the fact that the Christian faithful live in a climate of hostility, and there were two other churches burned in Ratlam and Indore, in the same area.
Those responsible for the act are members of a Hindu fundamentalist group named “Dharm Rahsha Sena,” that some eyewitnesses saw fleeing the scene of the crime.
The authorities in Madhya Pradesh have promised better protecting and the implementation of a surveillance team in churches and convents. The local Church intends to meet with the governor of the state. Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, the state’s Archdiocese, has called an emergency meeting with other Bishops and Catholic leaders to respond to the crisis. Bishop Jerald Almeda of Jabalpur has said, “This is a tragic time for us, but we should pray and remain united, without retaliating in the face of the violence.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2008)
