Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - India’s Christian have called on the president of the United States of America George Bush to promote religious freedom in southern Asia. In a message signed by John Dayal, chairman of the All India Christian Council which comprises all the different Christian confessions in India, they call on Mr Bush to pay attention to the situation of Christians in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar and India, where very often “majority communities persecute Christians”. Dayal points out that some states have laws which prevent Christians from practising and their faith and sharing it with others and that this is a violation of the fundamental right of freedom of belief.
Mr Dayal said that in South East Asia persecution against Christians is “endemic and growing” and the United States could pressure governments to respect human rights, first of all religious freedom. On behalf of India’s Christians Dayal also congratulated President Bush on his re-election and called for American economic, political and diplomatic commitment in India.
Mr Dayal said President Bush is called to promote a policy of peace in the Middle East and in other regions of Asia he is called to promote freedom and respect for human rights on this vast continent. Dayal said he hoped for ever better relations and collaboration between India and the United States India.
Recently India’s Christian leaders have signalled episodes of anti-Christian intolerance on the part of Hindu fundamentalists. The latest episode was on Sunday 7 November when a group of Hindu fanatics attacked a protestant Jesus Bread of Life church near Mangalore, in Karnataka state. Catholics in various states of India are afraid of violence. However in a recent interview with Fides, Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, president of the Indian Bishops’ Conference said “the Church will continue to bear witness despite attacks of fundamentalists”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/11/2004 righe 31 parole 342)
