Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
News Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - The All India Catholic Union, an association for lay Catholics was formed 87 years ago as a body of committed lay Catholics in a society where Christians are a small minority and where in recent years religious minorities are often targeted by groups of Hindu nationalist extremists.
Recently the All India Catholic Union re-elected its outgoing chairman John Dayal, journalist and human rights activist, Mr Dolphy D’Souza of Mumbai was confirmed vice-chairman and Mr Eugene Gonsalves general secretary. During the same meeting the Association reaffirmed total loyalty to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI recalling that the Catholic Church has always promoted frank and sincere dialogue and deep respect for believers of all religions. The Association voiced the hope that all kinds of violence will cease, including attacks on India’s Christian citizens in various parts of the country. While reconfirming commitment to work to promote dialogue all among believers the Association called for the right to religious freedom to be guaranteed in every country of the world. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2006 righe 24 parole 246)
