austraLasia #2269


Shillong's Archbishop Jala speaks up

SHILLONG: 3rd October 2008 -- Speaking on behalf of the Catholic community of Shillong Archdiocese, Archbishop Dominic Jala, a Salesian, forwarded a memorandum on the continuing anti-Christian violence being experienced particularly but not only in Orissa State to the leader of the Opposition and a former head of the BJP Party, Sri L.K. Advani. The memorandum is dated 29th September 2008.
    Besides pointing out facts that much of the world now knows, the Archbishop reminds Advani, whose BJP Party is a partner in the Orissa State Government, that 'our beloved country has been known for its ancient civilization and for upholding values like Ahimsa, Truth, Tolerance and Respect for Religions. This picture has been very badly tarnished'. He restates elements of the Indian Constitution upholding the inalienable right to freedom of conscience and religious liberty.
    Then follows the Catholic community's 'reading' of the situation. In the Archbishop's words: 'We perceive the allegations of forced conversions by Christian communities as a strategy developed by vested interests in order to prevent Christian services of health, education, poverty alleviation and development on behalf of deprived communities. Conversion by force, allurements or deception goes against the teaching of the Catholic Church. Does not the Hindutva opposition to Christian activities come rather from the fear that many of the deprived communities may be so empowered as to assert their own rights and resist exploitation? All our works are carried out because we believe that Jesus Christ calls us to build a society founded on love, justice and social harmony'.
    The memorandum pulls no punches with regard to the BJP: 'Given the record of attacks on Christians in various States ruled by the BJP, we express our great doubts and anxiety for our future if our Country is governed by such a party again. Will the Christian communities ever feel secure and safe in their own home land? Will their rights ever be respected?  Will those who feel protected by such a government feel free to unleash waves of violent attacks and persecution on the helpless communities?  Verbal assurances are of no use to guarantee a safe and secure existence in our country.  We will keep praying that God may preserve our country and lead it along the path of peace and harmony among all peoples'.
GLOSSARY  
Ahimsa: non-violence
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Title: australasia 2269
Subject and key words: S Asia anti-Christian violence
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2269