Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – Anti-Christian violence in India is worsening say Indian Bishops, who have been supported by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC). In recent days, the Bishops of the entire Asian continent have sent out a Message, signed by Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, Secretary General of the FABC, which says: “We are deeply concerned and troubled about the many acts and violence against the Church in India, its priests, religious, lay people, holy structures and sacred objects. We are likewise very concerned about the sufferings of other Christians. Daily we read the killings and destruction. How tragic it is that the once idyllic image of India as a country of great religious harmony and tolerance is daily tarnished by surely a minority of religious extremists...We pray to the Lord of love and peace through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary that the violence may stop and that all those who are inclined to do violence by reason of religious differences may return to their senses and discover the right path to a more peaceful and harmonious relationship with their Christian brothers and sisters.” The FABC’s Message makes a strong call to the authorities in the Indian government, asking that they stop the aggressions and bring those responsible to justice.
Their Message comes at a moment in which the Indian Church has had to endure the painful realization of the anti-Christian violence, beginning in the state of Orissa and later extending to other states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Tamil Nadu.
After over one month of attacks, which have increased in spite of appeals made by Christian and Hindu leaders, in spite of international influence, the Indian Bishops’ Conference (CBCI), which includes the three rites present in India, has issued an appeal reiterating the situation, observing the increased violence, and placing concrete solutions.
The Indian Bishops say they are “shocked and grieved by the incidents of extreme violence unleashed against the Christian community,” expressing their “utter disappointment at the apathy and inaction of the Governments at the Center and in the States.”
“It is India’s ancient civilization that is being humiliated and the values such as Ahimsa, Truth, Tolerance, and Respect for Religions that She has jealously preserved for centuries that are being dragged to the dust. It is India’s fair name that has been tarnished and her secular and democratic image seriously damaged before the international community,” reads the statement, which Agenzia Fides has published in its entirety (see link below).
The text calls for firm measures to be taken. These measures include: immediately stopping the fundamentalist groups, who should be treated as “terrorists”; compensating the Christian Churches for the violence suffered; determining and prosecuting those responsible (the leaders and those who execute the violence).
Thus, they reiterate the constitutional rights which all Indian citizens, Christians included, should have. And they recall the teachings of the Church, noting the response of the Christian community under attack, always disposed to non-violent action, peace, and forgiveness. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/09/2008)
