Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Colombo (Fides Service) - A public statement to Catholics and all citizens, a letter to members of parliament: this was how the Catholic Bishops of Sri Lanka intervened as parliament prepared to discuss and vote an “anti-conversion Bill” which will render illegal conversions under circumstances which can be considered “non ethical” and illegal. It will be up to a magistrate to decide of the change of religion was the result of deception and proselytising. The Church is concerned with the understanding of proselytising, a term often mistakenly used to describe Catholic charity and social work.
In the statement issued recently and sent to Fides the Bishops say they understand the desire to protect religious freedom in Sri Lanka but that the new law hardly seems to serve this purpose.
In the statement signed by Bishop Vianney Fernando, president of the Bishops’ Conference the Bishops condemn all attempts to convert which are non ethic because this goes against the teaching of Christianity which sustains freedom of conscience. They say that everyone has the right to freely decide to change religion. This is an inviolable and sacred right guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and by Sri Lanka’s constitution. Any attempt to restrict this fundamental freedom is a flagrant violation of basic human rights. A law to prevent non ethic conversions cannot restrict freedom of conscience the Bishops say adding that the proposed law will not bring harmony it will generate more suspicion and hostility among members of different religions.
Hence they propose to intensify inter-religious co-operation setting up an Inter-religious Council comprising leaders of all the religions in the country. The Council could be instituted by an act of parliament giving it the power to investigate reported non ethic conversions. It could be composed of 24 members, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The Bishops end with a call to the government and all concerned for inter-religious harmony in our country to guarantee all citizens the fundamental freedom of religion”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/4/2005 righe 33 parole 372)
