Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Chennai (Fides Service) - On December 3 extremists broke into St Francis of Assisi church in Mathal, in Kottar diocese, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Only today the Indian Bishops Conference informed Fides of the incident.
The fanatics broke down the door, smashed windows and destroyed a statue of St Francis outside the church. Investigators found a rudimental hand made unexploded bomb inside the church. Police say the perpetrators were Islamic fundamentalists.
Days before the Catholic parish priest and community received threats and anti-Christian slogans appeared on the church walls, signed by a group called Byath. The local press say this is the name of a local extremist group.
St Francis church celebrated its 75th anniversary a short while ago and on that occasion the parish priest Father Perpetual organised a special “Harmony Day” to promote dialogue and friendship among believers of different religions. Father Perpetual told Fides that the attack came as a complete surprise because “in this area Hindus, Christians and Muslims have always lived peacefully side by side”.
Recent episodes of religious fundamentalism involving also the Christian community in India, prompted the Bishops to appeal to the central government for more protection and concrete intervention. There have been some political responses. Through its leader Sonia Gandhi, the ruling Congress Party promised that a law to stop inter-religious violence in the country will soon be presented to parliament. The bill will include compensation for victims, speedier investigation to identify perpetrators of attacks on places of worship or individual persons and harsher punishments. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/12/2004 righe 27 parole 267)
