Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Katmandu (Agenzia Fides) - “We are concerned and fear more attacks like that of Assumption Cathedral (see Fides 25/5/2009). But, as Christians, we will not let ourselves be intimidated and we will not leave the country. Our mission continues. Of course, we will be more attentive and prudent in our vigilance. We place our trust in God.” This is what Agenzia Fides was told by Fr. Pius Perumana, Pro-Vicar Apostolic in Nepal, the day after new threats were made to the Christian community in the country.
In his conversation with Fides, Fr. Pius described the situation of the Catholics of Nepal: “The threats made to Christians increase daily. Many Christian churches, schools, and institutions have received threats and the Nepal Defense Army (NDA) seems to have no difficulty in making them. Its leader, Ram Prasad Mainali is protected by several political leaders and has set himself up almost as ruler of the nation, publicly requesting that Christians cancel their activities and leave the country. In my opinion, there is a lack of political efforts to stop these fanatics. Several political groups and factions, who support the monarchy and would like to return to the old system, see the NDA as a valuable ally.”
Fr. Pius continued: “The religious minorities in the country, Muslims and Christians, are severely undermined as they have no political protection and, at the hour of voting are a very small minority. The authorities continue to promise us security and freedom, but our trust in politicians has steadily been lost. Several Catholic institutions have received constant requests to leave the country within one month, with the threat that otherwise, they will be attacked. The same has happened to Christian Protestant churches, as well. But the government does nothing. We do not have the means for defending ourselves from these threats. There is a need for an increase in national and international political pressures on the government, to force it to take action in stopping the extremists. We can only trust in God, the Lord of History. He is our only consolation. We do what we can; the rest is in the Lord's hands.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 16/7/2009)
