Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops from the Indian state of Orissa have written a letter of encouragement to all the faithful, offering hope to Christians there and thanking the international organizations that have taken action, as well as expressing their closeness and support to all those who suffer persecution for the name of Christ.
The letter is signed by Orissa's 6 Bishops: Most Rev. Thomas Thiruthalil CM, Bishop of Balasore and Chairperson of Orissa Bishops' Regional Forum; Most Rev. Raphael Cheenath SVD, Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar; Most Rev. Alphonse Bilung SVD, Bishop of Rourkela; Most Rev. Lucas Kerketta SVD, Bishop of Sambalpur; Most Rev. Sarat Chandra Naik, Bishop of Berhampur; Most Rev. John Barwa SVD, Coadjutor Bishop of Rourkela. The letter has been read in all the parishes and distributed in Christian schools, associations, convents, and centers.
In their letter, the Bishops wish to “pay homage to those brothers and sisters who have laid down their lives for the sake of their faith,” and are proud of their “ability to withstand all forms of intimidations and threats.”
The Church condemns every form of violence and asks that the Government take the necessary measures to restore security and serenity to the community in that is being marginalized.
The Bishops say that they understand the factors behind the campaign of violence and say that: “The Church has been standing by the side of the poor and the marginalized. Through education, health, housing and employment programmes, the Church has been bringing in awareness and awakening among the vulnerable communities. They in turn are demanding their rights. This is not liked by the powers that are since they fear their position being challenged by the poor people.”
Expressing their gratitude to the Churches, institutions, NGOs, and international organizations that have spoken out in defense of the Christians of Orissa and have taken concrete measures of solidarity, the Bishops also critique the local government and police force for their inability to end the violence. Lastly, they express their support for all the victims of the violence, encouraging the faithful to have hope and courage, in as much as they are living an experience similar to that of Christ.
Since the end of August, the anti-Christian violence in Orissa has led to over 60 deaths, 50,000 refugees, 180 destroyed churches, and damage to many homes, convents, hospitals, and centers. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/11/2008)
