Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - Christians in India have united to produce a ‘Dictionary of Christianity in Southern Asia’ which they hope will help people today realise the role played by the Christian faith in the last two thousands years in the history of the sub-continent, and help restore the area’s traditional harmony. In fact Christianity reached India in the first century, in the year 40 AD with the preaching of Saint Thomas the Apostle.
This ecumenical undertaking brings together Catholic, Orthodox and Prostestant scholars as well as independent experts. The initiative is under the direction of Prof. Roger Hedlund a missionary in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The initiative intends to help eradicate gorwing religious fundamentalism in India where in recent years Hindu extremists have been promoting nationalist Hindutva ideology, one, nation, one religion, denying Christianity’s part in the history and culture of India, using arguments of mere propaganda to make people consider Christianity foreign to India and expel Christianity from the region. “Instead - Prof. Helund said - Christianity has been most important for the growth and development of Indian culture and society. It is part of India’s heritage and today there are those who would deliberately deny this”.
The Dictionary, expected to be published in 2006, will serve as a reference for the Christian faithful, for people and students in general, for research and study centres and libraries. Prof. Hedlund, concerned about the spread of fundamentalism in Asia, Hindu in India, Muslim in Pakistan, Buddhist in Sri Lanka, said “We hope with this work to restore the sound tradition of harmoony among people of different faiths which has always been a characteristic of southern Asia”.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/07/2005 Righe: 22 Parole: 251)
