THE
TEACHING OF THE CHURCH
We
are convinced that the allegations of forced conversions by
Christian communities is merely 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: “The
Church strictly forbids forcing anyone to embrace the Faith,
or alluring or enticing people by worrisome wiles. By the same
token, she also strongly insists on this right that no one should
be frightened away from the Faith by unjust vexations on the
part of others.” (Vatican Council II). Further
Church Law prescribes: “No one is ever permitted
to coerce persons to embrace the Catholic faith against their
conscience.”
It
is truly humiliating to the poor to claim that they easily yield
to the temptation of converting to any religion for some material
advantage. In fact, the poor who choose Christianity forfeit
so many benefits guaranteed by the Constitution. Some have even
sacrificed their lives for refusing to reconvert.
The
Catholic Church respects other religions and holds what is true
and holy in them as a precious heritage of humanity. Her teaching
in this matter is clear. “The Catholic Church
regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of
life, those precepts and teaching which, though differing in
many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless
often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men.”
She exhorts all her children “prudently and
lovingly, through dialogue and collaboration with the followers
of other religions and in witness of Christian faith and life,
to acknowledge, preserve and promote the spiritual and moral
goods, found among these people, as well as their values in
their society and culture.” (Vatican Council II)
We
perceive that the Hindutva opposition to Christian activities
derives from the fear that many of the deprived communities
may be so empowered as to assert their own rights and resist
exploitation. No matter how great the threat that may confront
us, we cannot renounce the heritage of love and justice that
Jesus left us. He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is
upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news
to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those
who are oppressed.” (Gospel of Luke 4:18). When Jesus
went about healing the sick, associating with outcasts and assisting
the poor, those works were not allurements but the concrete
realization of God’s plan for humankind: to build a society
founded on love, justice and social harmony. The Church therefore
is walking in the footsteps of her Master when she exerts herself
to the utmost for the benefit of humanity, especially those
who are poor and marginalized.
OUR
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
Every
citizen and community of our Country has an inalienable right
to freedom of conscience and religious liberty. The Indian Constitution,
article 25 § 1, upholds that “all persons are equally
entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess,
practice and propagate religion.” It is this right of
every citizen to embrace the religion which best satisfies his/her
quest for God and for fulfillment. This constitutes an essential
part of Human Rights. We belong to a civilization that attaches
great importance to this right.
CHRISTIAN
RESPONSE
Ultimately,
Christian response to harassment and persecution may be expressed
in one word: forgiveness, and this while we
seek to have our rights safeguarded and justice done. If however,
some choose to consider the sufferance of the Christian community
as a weakness, they are seriously mistaken. We wish to remind
everyone that we are citizens of this great country. We too
have had a share in shaping this civilization and continue to
contribute a great deal to the growth and development of this
nation. The Catholic Church in India has always played an active
role in promoting inter-religious dialogue and inter-religious
harmony. It is with absolute resolve to live in harmony and
in happy collaboration with everyone around us, that we seek
to serve God and our Nation.
We
are heartened by persons of Hindu society and of other communities
who have come forward to condemn the evil deeds of a fringe
group of fundamentalist activists and to help the victims of
violence in many ways. We are grateful that the majority of
the people of our Country recognize the small Christian minority
as a peace-loving community, ever eager to render service to
people of all social strata and religious affiliations, especially
those who are poor and needy.
We
express our solidarity with the hapless suffering victims of
violence, especially those in Orissa who have been rendered
homeless, who are forced to flee into forests, who still languish
in relief camps and who are being still cruelly threatened to
give up their Christian faith, and in their name we appeal to
the Governments concerned to take appropriate and effective
action without any further delay and to bring relief and justice
to them.
We
invite everyone to join in prayer for our great nation, for
leaders of the Governments and for Civil Authorities, for all
those who have suffered in the recent violence and also for
those who were the cause of our sufferings. May God bless our
country and lead us on the way of peace and justice.
Cardinal
Varkey Vithayathil
President CBCI
Archbishop
Stanislaus Fernandes
Secretary General - CBCI
CBCI
Strongly Condemns the Attacks on Churches in Karnataka
New Delhi, September 15, 2008
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is deeply
concerned about the series of attacks on Christian places of
worship allegedly by the Bajrang Dal and other extremist groups
in various parts of Karnataka on Sunday, September 14. The Bishops
of India, representing the Catholic Christian community, have
taken a serious note of the development in Karnataka, as it
comes close on heels of the enormous human tragedy caused to
the community in Orissa.
Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, President of the CBCI, expressing
his shock and distress at the unprovoked attacks on Christian
places of worship said, “the heightened attacks on Christians,
their dwellings and places of worship in different parts of
the country are the manifestation of the growing intolerance
of certain sections of society that blatantly defy the constitutional
rights of the citizens of this country. We ask them to desist
from such provocation of religious minorities in India and follow
a path of dialogue and dignified approach to sorting out any
social, religious and political issues.”
The Bishops reiterate their stand that they abhor violence as
it undermines civilized form of living, and we, as a nation,
cannot allow ourselves to be drawn into the vortex of primitive
instincts of conflict and destruction.
The Christian community in India has been conducting itself
in a peaceful manner all this while, and even under extreme
provocation it has exercised restraint. However, it is not to
be construed as weakness, but a preferred option based on sound
principles of civilized living. The Christian community continues
to render its services to all sections of Indian society without
any discrimination. Nevertheless, baseless allegations of fraudulent
conversion have been hurled at it for long by certain vested
interests whose chief agenda seems to be social polarization
on the lines of religious beliefs. We, as responsible citizens
of India, will not succumb to their divisive tactics, but continue
to work, in the spirit of Christ our Master, for the unity,
integrity and progress of the nation.
Rev. Dr. Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson, CBCI
CBCI
Condemns Serial Bomb Blasts In New Delhi
New Delhi, September 15, 2008
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) the apex
body of the Catholic Church in India condemns the serial bomb
blasts in Delhi on Saturday evening that claimed 22 innocent
lives and injured scores of people. The Bishops pray for the
repose of the souls of those who died and wish a speedy recovery
to those who are injured in the most unfortunate tragedy that
struck Delhi.
Expressing his deep sympathy on this tragedy, Cardinal Varkey
Vithayathil, President of the CBCI said “the bomb blast
in Delhi is a dastardly act by those who have scant regard for
human life and its sanctity; and as a civilized society, we
must endeavor to defeat such nefarious designs of the misguided
elements of society.” Cardinal Varkey also appealed for
maintaining peace and harmony at this hour of pain and sorrow.
The Christian community in India has been trying to come to
terms with the colossal tragedy of Orissa during the last three
weeks, and yet it believes strongly in the goodness human beings
and their propensity to opt for what is enduring. Resorting
to violence is by no means an acceptable method to achieve an
end, however noble and desirable that might be. We need to adopt
peaceful means of sorting out the issues, and that alone can
lead us to a more civilized manner of living our collective
life in society.
Rev Dr Babu Joseph
Spokesperson, CBCI
ORISSA
ANTI CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE AND CBCI INTERVENTIONS
Introduction:
On 23rd August, 2008, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati a renowned
Hindu Leader was murdered with four of his disciples by the
Maoists (Naxalites) in his ashram in Kandhamal District of Orissa.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) condemned the
murder of a religious leader and appealed for peace in Kandhamal.
However, the murder of Swamil Laxmanananda Saraswati was the
beginning of an unprecedented and diabolic attack on Christians.
The miscreants went from place to place freely destroying institutions
and houses one after another. The police force was totally inadequate
in number and most of them had no weapons. Occasionally they
were the first ones to flee. The only helpful thing they were
able to do was to inform the priests, sisters and people to
flee and look for their own safety.
Dr.
Babu Joseph, Spokesperson of CBCI and Director of Media/Information
of CBCI immediately took up the atrocities against Christians
in Kandhamal, Orissa with the media, Government officials and
with concerned citizens of this country.
Fr.
Thomas D’Aquino Sequeira, Dy. Secretary General of CBCI
called for a meeting of all the resident Commission Secretaries
of various Commissions of CBCI on August 25. All the secretaries
unanimously agreed to the proposal of closure of all Catholic
Educational Institutions on August 29 in the wake of attacks
on Christians and to observe September 7, 2008 as a Day of Fasting
and Prayers. The proposal was put forward before the Office
Bearers of the CBCI who endorsed the proposal. Finally, His
Beatitude Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, the President of CBCI
through CBCI Circular called for closure of all Catholic Educational
Institutions on August 29 and a day of Fasting and Prayer for
the victims of anti-Christian violence in Orissa on September
7, 2008.
Media
Intervention:
The
Media/Information Office of CBCI was at the service of the media
round the clock to update them with the latest list of attacks
on Christians in Orissa and to brief them about the ongoing
situations. Dr. Babu Joseph, Spokesperson of CBCI was called
on International, National and Regional TV. Channels to comment
on the precarious conditions of Christians in Kandhamal who
were facing the wrath of fundamentalists. Almost all the National
Channels carried the correct views of the Church and projected
the true stories of the Christians living in forest due to fear
of threat to their life.
Press
Statement, New Delhi August 25, 2008
CBCI
condemns killing of Lakshmananda Saraswati and his associates
and calls for peace and harmony in Orissa.
Press
Conference at C.B.C.I Centere, New Delhi on August 26, 2008
Archbishop
Vincent Concessao of Delhi Catholic Archdiocese along with Fr.
Thomas D’Aquino Sequeira and Dr. Babu Joseph addressed
the press conference.
Press
Statement, New Delhi, August 26, 2008
CBCI
Denounces communal violence and appeals for peace in Orissa.
Press
Statement, New Delhi September 2, 2008
Christians
are forced to become Hindus and attack their own churches. Attacks
on Christians continue in Orissa.
Appeals
to the Government:
Media/Information
office of CBCI organized several meetings with the Government
Officials to bring to their notice about the loss of life, property
and Christian institutions in Kandhamal and other districts
of Orissa. A CBCI delegation led by Archbishop Raphael Cheenat
of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar and Archbishop Vincent Concessao of
Delhi met Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh on August 28 and
submitted a memorandum to him urged him for:
Letter
of request to the following Union Ministries and National Commissions
were sent to intervene in Orissa Anti Christian Violence.
NHRC
(National Human Rights Commission)
NCM
(National Commission for Minorities)
NCW
(National Commission for Women
Ministry
for Minority Affairs
Ministry
for Home Affairs
Protest
rally in National Capital on Friday August 29.
The
Christian community of Delhi and the National Capital Region
organized a protest rally and Dharna at the Orissa Bhavan in
New Delhi on August, 29 to protest against the ongoing violence
and killing of innocent people in Kandhamal District of Orissa.
Thousands of Christians gathered from all across the Capital
expressed their deep anguish at the loss of life and property
in Kandhamal and other parts of Orissa. Christians from almost
30 Churches present at the demonstration chanted slogans against
the human rights violation in Orissa where life of Christians
are in danger.
The
protest rally was addressed by Church dignitaries and a few
prominent citizens of the country. Archbishop Raphael Cheenath
of Cuttack-Bhubanshwar and Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi,
quoting the Prime Minister of India called Orissa Violence as
a ‘national shame’ and a ‘threat to India’s
secular credentials’. Shri P.C. Thomas, Hon’ble
Member of Parliament, Justice Kulse Patil, High Court Judge
(Retd.), Shrimati Shabnam Azami, Director of ANHAD, NGO, Shri
Udit Raj, leader of the Dalits in India, Ms. Teesta Setalvad,
an eminent social activist and many other non-Christians and
Christians addressed the protest rally. While addressing the
gathering they appealed to the people to stop fundamentalist
forces from attacking the innocent people with their ulterior
motives.
All
the Christian schools and educational institutions were closed
in New Delhi on Friday to express solidarity with the victims
of violence in Orissa. Similarly, all Christian educational
institutions were closed in the country on Friday and demonstrations
held throughout the country to demand justice from the Government
of Orissa which has not been able to control the unruly mob
for almost five days after the death of Swami Lakshmananda who
was allegedly killed by the Maoists. The Christian community
in different States submitted memorandum to the respective Governors.
Letter
of protest from CBCI against the reconversion of Christians
to Hinduism.
The
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is shocked
to learn that the Christians in Orissa who have been already
victims of violence are now being forced to become Hindus and
attack their own Churches in which they have been worshiping
so long. This is totally inhuman and a gross violation of human
rights.
According
to the latest reports from Bhubaneshwar, although Rapid Action
Force is deployed at several places in Kandhamal with specific
instructions ‘to shoot at sight’ the unruly mob
continue to attack Churches and ransack the Christian institutions
at will. On Monday, September 1, it is reported that 10 prayer
halls were destroyed in Kundra village of Jayapur District.
In Tikabali Block, 5 villages were attacked and property looted.
Similarly, a Church, a Convent and 2 hostels were destroyed
in Mondasore under Raikia Block.
We
are extremely distressed to note that despite the assurances
given by Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa to the
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that the violence in Kandhamal
would be brought under control, we find that there has not been
much improvement in the riot hit areas of Kandhamal. Even though
security forces have been deployed in Kandhamal, the fundamentalists
continue to attack Christians and their institutions freely.
Letter
of protest against forceful reconversion of Christians to Hinduism
sent to”
NHRC
NCM
Ministry for Minority Affairs
Ministry for Home Affairs
Update
on Orissa:
The
Media/Information Office, CBCI is constantly monitoring the
situation in Orissa by gathering information from there and
disseminating them to the national/international media and to
the concerned Government authorities.
Report
prepared by
Dr. Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson of CBCI
Latest
Update On Orissa From CBCI
New Delhi, September 8, 2008
The Media/Information Office of CBCI has come to know that the
situation in Orissa is slowly returning to normal. On Sunday,
September 6, 2008 the usual Church services were conducted in
Bhubaneshwar and elsewhere in Orissa without any serious disturbance.
It is also learnt that a day of fast and prayer was observed
in all the Churches of Orissa and throughout India for peace
and harmony.
According to reports reaching CBCI, the relief camps need more
facilities and protection for the people who are still in the
grip of fear and loss.
In some villages people continue to live under threat. They
think they could be attacked any time. People of Barakhamba
said that they wanted to relocate themselves entirely.
It is also reported that the police protection for some towns
and large villages is minimal and the anti-social elements and
fundamentals are still at large.
It is also a fact that cases against the rioters are not registered
yet as it happened in December 2007.
There is a dire need for better medical assistance, counselling
services in the Camps and those living outside the camps to
come to terms with their loss and to begin again their life
and activities.
It is also felt that the restoration of property, compensation
for the damages suffered and revival of livelihood are to be
done with great urgency.
Dr. Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson, CBCI
Christians
Are Forced To Become Hindus And Attack Their Own Churches. Attacks
On Christians Continue In Orissa.
New
Delhi, September 2, 2008
The
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is shocked
to learn that the Christians in Orissa who have been already
victims of violence are now being forced to become Hindus and
attack their own Churches in which they have been worshiping
so long. This is totally inhuman and a gross violation of human
rights.
According
to the latest reports from Bhubaneshwar, although Rapid Action
Force is deployed at several places in Kandhamal with specific
instructions ‘to shoot at sight’ the unruly mob
continue to attack Churches and ransack the Christian institutions
at will. On Monday, September 1, it is reported that 10 prayer
halls were destroyed in Kundra village of Jayapur District.
In Tikabali Block, 5 villages were attacked and property looted.
Similarly, a Church, a Convent and 2 hostels were destroyed
in Mondasore under Raikia Block.
We
are extremely distressed to note that despite the assurances
given by Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa to the
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that the violence in Kandhamal
would be brought under control, we find that there has not been
much improvement in the riot hit areas of Kandhamal. Even though
security forces have been deployed in Kandhamal, the fundamentalists
continue to attack Christians and their institutions freely.
We
earnestly, appeal to the Chief Minister of Orissa to act firmly
against those who are taking law into their hands and safeguard
Christians, their houses and institutions which are being constantly
attacked by the fundamentalist groups. We also request the State
Administration to be vigilant at the forced re-conversion issue
since it is a gross violation of their Constitutional right
to live in the country without fear.
Issued
by
Rev Dr Babu Joseph
Spokesperson, CBCI
Christians
in the National Capital protest against the violence in Orissa.
Appeal to the President to impose President’s rule in
the State.
New
Delhi, August 29, 2008
The
Christian community of Delhi and the National Capital Region
organized a protest rally and Dharna at the Orissa Bhavan in
New Delhi on August, 29 to protest against the ongoing violence
and killing of innocent people in Kandhamal District of Orissa.
Thousands of Christians gathered from all across the Capital
expressed their deep anguish at the loss of life and property
in Kandhamal and other parts of Orissa. Christians from almost
30 Churches present at the demonstration chanted slogans against
the human rights violation in Orissa where life of Christians
are in danger.
The
protest rally was addressed by Church dignitaries and a few
prominent citizens of the country. Archbishop Raphael Cheenath
of Cuttack-Bhubanshwar and Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi,
quoting the Prime Minister of India called Orissa Violence as
a ‘national shame’ and a ‘threat to India’s
secular credentials’. Justice Kulse Patil, High Court
Judge (Retd.), Shrimati Shabnam Azami, Director of ANHAD, NGO,
Shri Udit Raj, leader of the Dalits in India, Ms. Teesta Setalvad,
an eminent social activist and many other non-Christians and
Christians addressed the protest rally. While addressing the
gathering they appealed to the people to stop fundamentalist
forces from attacking the innocent people with their ulterior
motives.
All
the Christian schools and educational institutions were closed
in New Delhi on Friday to express solidarity with the victims
of violence in Orissa. Similarly, all Christian educational
institutions were closed in the country on Friday and demonstrations
held throughout the country to demand justice from the Government
of Orissa which has not been able to control the unruly mob
for almost five days after the death of Swami Lakshmananda who
was allegedly killed by the Maoists. The Christian community
in different States submitted memorandum to the respective Governors.
In
New Delhi, the Christian leaders led by Archbishop Raphael at
the end of two hour long protest and Dharna at the Orissa Bhavan,
submitted a Memorandum to His Excellency Murlidhar Chandrakant
Bhandare, Hon’ble Governor of Orissa urging him to write
a letter to the President of India to impose President’s
Rule in Orissa; immediately suspend the Chief Secretary, the
Home Secretary and the Director General of Police; hand over
the Kandhamal District to the Indian Army; trace of the people
who have been chased away from the villages; an urgent CBI enquiry
and an adequate compensation to the victims of violence and
to the Church.
Rev Dr Babu Joseph
Spokesperson, CBCI
CBCI
Denounces Communal Violence and Appeals for Peace in Orissa
New
Delhi, August 26, 2008
The
Catholic Bishops' Conference of India is seriously concerned
about the escalation of violence that erupted after the gruesome
murder of a VHP leader Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati in the Tumiliband
region of Kandhamal district of Orissa on August 23 allegedly
by the Maoist groups.
The
Christian community of Orissa as well as in other parts of the
country, true to its belief and practice, condemned the dastardly
act of murder of a religious leader in Orissa and appealed for
maintaining communal harmony and peace.
But
defying all rhyme and reason, some organizations in Orissa pointed
fingers at the Christian community which fanned communal flames
across the State resulting in the sad burning to death of a
woman working at an orphanage at Bargarh and of a paralytic
man in his own house. Two priests and a few religious women
were also seriously injured and several Christian institutions
destroyed. A separate list (incomplete) is attached herewith.
Fearing
for their life many Christians including women and children,
religious men and women have taken shelter in the nearby forests.
They are deprived of food and other basic necessities of life,
and if the situation is allowed to prolong then it can turn
into a serious human disaster.
We
are deeply pained to see our brothers and sisters in Orissa
targeted for no fault of theirs; they are victims of a calibrated
malicious campaign by certain unruly organizations that take
the law in their own hands. Their sustained hate campaign has
resulted in much violence and vandalism in the State causing
much distress to all sections of people who have been living
for long in harmony and peace.
As
a mark of solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters
and as a protest against the atrocities on the Christian community
and other innocent people, the President of CBCI, His Eminence
Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Ankamaly,
has asked all the Catholic educational institutions in India
to close down on Friday, August 29. He has also appealed to
all Catholic communities to hold peaceful rallies across the
country in order to register our strong protest against the
repeated attacks on the Christian community and all acts of
violence in different parts of the country. The CBCI President
has also exhorted the Catholic community in India to observe
a day of prayer and fasting prayer on Sunday, September 7, 2008
for the promotion of communal harmony and peace in India.
The
Christian community in Orissa which is less than 2 percent of
the State's population has been living peacefully all this while
and carrying on with their work for the development of all sections
of people. And it is our resolve that in spite of such horrendous
experience of violence and death of some of our members, we
will carry on with our work for the welfare of all.
We
appeal to the Central and State Governments to take strong measures
to curb violence caused by any group in the country. We also
urge all political, social and religious organizations to desist
from spreading communal hatred, which has already taken a heavy
toll on our country. Let the ideal of sarvadharma samabhav be
our guiding principle of life in India.
Released to the Press by
Rev Dr Babu Joseph,
Spokesperson, CBCI
CBCI Condemns Killing Of Lakshmananda
Sarswati And His Associates And Calls For Peace And Harmony
In Orissa
New
Delhi, August 25, 2008
The
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) is sad to
note that Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Lakshmanananda
Saraswati and five others were murdered on Saturday August 23
allegedly by Maoist group in Kandhamal Dist of Orissa. The Church
leaders in Orissa and other parts of the country have condemned
the killing of Swami Lakshmananda Sarswati and his associates
in the Ashram. We have also appealed for peace and harmony in
the state.
However,
we are extremely sorry to find that some organizations have
pointed finger at the Christian community in Orissa for the
alleged murder of the Swami and his associates. Consequently
there have been unprovoked attacks on Christians and their institutions
in Kandhamal and surrounding areas. School at Bhadrak Town,
Convent and the computer centre at Baliguda in Kandhamal Dist,
Pastoral Centre at Baliguda in Kandhamal Dist., Social Development
Centre (Jai Vikas Kendra) at Baliguda in Kandhamal Dist., Catholic
Church in Pulbani and a Convent of the religious women at Phulbani
have suffered in the attacks which took place after the murder
of Swami Lakshmanananda Sarswati.
We
are sad to note that the extremists are attacking and vandalizing
our institutions without any reason. Incidents of arson and
burning of vehicles belonging to the Church have also been reported
at Udaigiri. Some of our religious nuns, girls and boys in the
hostels have fled from their places and taken shelter in the
forest, particularly in Kandhamal Dist. We are seriously concerned
about the safety and security of our frightened people who are
innocent and yet find themselves in a very precarious situation.
The
State Government has deployed police forces in some of the areas
and yet the violence has not been contained. We request the
Central Government to urgently intervene in the matter and send
additional forces to bring situation to normalcy.
Rev. Dr. Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson, CBCI
CBCI CONDEMNS ATTACK ON CHRISTIANS IN
ORISSA,
APPEALS FOR SOCIAL HARMONY IN THE STATE
New
Delhi, July 10, 2008
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) condemns
the unwarranted attacks on Christian institutions in Orissa
on July 8, 2008. Even before the wounds caused by the unprecedented
communal disturbances and vandalizing of Christian institutions
in December, 2007 got healed, fresh attacks on Christian community
and its institutions have been unleashed recently by the extremist
elements in Kandhamal, Orissa.
The
fanatic criminals attacked the Jesuit residence in Tumudibandh
Block of Kandhamal District. They devastated the institution
and its belongings such as sacred statues, household articles
and other valuables. They also attacked the Bhagvan Ashram,
an orphanage run by a Christian, Mr. Satpati.
The
CBCI deeply regrets that during the past few decades, Orissa’s
history has been marred by periodic communal violence and that
no effective and lasting steps have been taken till date by
the State Government to restrain communal elements. Consequently,
the communal forces are emboldened to commit further crimes
on Christian community.
The
CBCI appeals to the State and the Central Governments to curb
the anti-social activities of fundamentalists and their associates.
The Christian community in the State has been repeatedly made
victim of hatred and violence but the Administration has not
strongly intervened in defense of the people who are targeted.
It gives a strong impression that the attacks on the Christian
community have been well planned and systematically executed.
The
Orissa State Government is a constitutionally elected Government
and therefore it has the obligation to treat all its people
irrespective of their religion equally and protect their legitimate
rights. We believe strongly that maintaining law and order should
become a top priority for the State Government and it should
create an atmosphere where people can live without fear. In
a State where communal polarization has been on the increase,
social harmony is very much the need of the hour and the Government
along with the enlightened citizens and people of goodwill should
endeavor to create a just, fair and democratic society.
Most
Rev. Stanislaus Fernandes
Secretary
General, CBCI & Archbishop of Gandhinagar.
CBCI
expresses its solidarity with the victims of Cyclone in Myanmar
New
Delhi, May 09, 2008
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed
its distress and pain at the loss of lives and property caused
by the deadly Cyclone in Myanmar on May 2, 2008. According to
reports the devastating Cyclone Nargis has so far killed 22,500
people and more than 41000 people are missing in the South East
Asian country.
Expressing
his solidarity with those who have lost their family members
to the devastating cyclone in Myanmar, the President of CBCI
and Major Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly, His Beatitude Cardinal
Varkey Vithayathil said, “ Though words fail to express
our sorrow for the victims of the cyclone our efforts to alleviate
the sufferings caused by the natural disaster will not be wanting.”
His
Beatitude Cardinal Varkey prayed for those killed in the Cyclone
and offered his condolences to those who have lost their near
and dear ones. Cardinal Varkey remembered in a special way the
missing people and prayed for their safe return to their homes.
The
Catholic Church at various levels has organized relief works
for the victims of Cyclone in Myanmar. Caritas India, the Social
Development Wing of the CBCI, is planning to join hands with
the Church in Myanmar for the relief and rehabilitation work
among the victims of Cyclone.
Issued
by:
Rev. Dr. Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson, CBCI
CBCI
Expresses Serious Concern over the Gujarat Conversion Laws
New
Delhi, May 06, 2008
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) is seriously
concerned over the latest developments in the State of Gujarat.
The Gujarat State Government has recently published Rules of
the Freedom of Religion Act that was passed in 2003, which make
it mandatory for any priest officiating at an initiation ceremony
of a person who embraces any religion to seek prior permission
from the District Magistrate.
While
the stated objective of the Freedom of Religion Act is to safeguard
the personal liberties of a citizen from fraudulent and coercive
influences in making his/her choices, there is a real possibility,
against the backdrop of the atmosphere of hostility created
against certain communities in Gujarat, that the discretionary
powers of the executive may be put to arbitrary use. That such
a thing has happened in the past gives credence to the genuine
anxiety of those who are being constantly haunted on the fictitious
charges of coercion religious conversion.
The
new Rules also violate the very fundamental rights of citizens
to choose their own beliefs without any interference from the
secular state, which in fact, has every obligation to zealously
safeguard the Constitutional rights. In addition, to subject
one's conscience to the dictates of a civil authority is a gross
misuse of the temporal powers vested in such an authority that
is derived from the Constitution of India, which is the collective
will of people.
As
religion is a matter of personal choice, and not determined
by a civil servant, it is most unwarranted that the State should
intervene in it; it must limit its role to a whistle blower
when religion and religious observances create law and order
problem.
The
new so called Freedom of Religion Act has anything but freedom
contained in it. By implementing this draconian law the State
of Gujarat has demonstrated that it has little regard for Constitutional
rights of citizens, personal liberties, and freedom of conscience,
which are most sacred for an individual. It serves no useful
purpose other than to feed on the biases that have been astutely
crafted and circulated to divide people on the lines of religion
and harass the innocent people.
With
all the strength on our side we must resist any attempt to weaken
individual freedom and personal liberty brought to us by our
forbears who made great sacrifices for the Independence of our
nation and to preserve its secular character.
Most Rev Stanislaus Fernandes
Secretary General
Catholic Bishops' Conference of India
CBCI
Condoles the Death of Ms Nirmala Deshpande
New
Delhi, May 06, 2008
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) condoles the
sad demise of Ms Nirmala Deshpande on May 1, 2008 in New Delhi.
The Catholic Bishops described
Ms
Despande as a true Gandhian who lived the principles of simplicity,
honesty, and dedication
to the welfare of the less privileged in society.
The
Catholic Bishops recalled Ms Despande's sterling work in spreading
the values of non-violence and communal amity not only within
India but also with our neighboring countries. She dared to
march through the trouble torn streets of Punjab at the height
of militancy there; led a peace march in Orissa after the gruesome
murder of the Australian missionary Graham Steins and appealed
for communal harmony after the Gujarat carnage.
The
Bishops also noted her rare courage in moving right into the
heart of troubled areas of the country with a banner of peace
and amity. And she would command respect from all sections of
society. She believed in the solidarity of humankind as a family
and in the essence of all religions, namely, to lead all to
the divine presence.
Ms
Despande's contribution to the nation's growth towards social
cohesion and communal harmony will be remembered by many generations
to come. Her departure from our presence has left a void that
is difficult to fill. Nevertheless, her indomitable spirit of
hope and courage will live in the hearts and minds of those
who have known her and worked with her. The Indian Catholic
Bishops offer their special prayers for the repose of the soul
of Ms Despande and offer heartfelt condolences to her near and
dear once .
Issued
by:
Rev. Dr. Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson, CBCI
28th
General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of India (CBCI)
New
Delhi, February 08, 2008
The 28th General Body Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of India (CBCI) is scheduled to be held at the Xavier
Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshepur, Jharkhand from
February 13-20, 2008. The General Body Meetings of the CBCI
are a regular feature of the activities of the Catholic Bishops
of India and are held once in two years in the various dioceses
in India. At every General Body Meeting, a particular theme
of relevance to the Church and the nation is discussed by the
leaders of the Church.
The theme for the upcoming General Body Meeting is Empowerment
of Women in the Church and Society, chosen for its great relevance
in. the modern world which is still grappling with the problem
of gender inequality. During the General Body Meeting, the Bishops
will reflect and discuss various aspects of the theme such as:
sources of inspiration, the contemporary scenario of gender
relations, the forces behind gender inequality and the role
of the Church in facilitating the empowerment of women.
This is for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church
in India that a theme on ‘Empowerment of Women in the
Church and Society’ has been chosen as the focus of the
Plenary Assembly of Bishops. Many meetings and discussions on
women empowerment have been held at the regional and national
levels as a preparation for the General Assembly. During the
various seminars held on the theme at various levels, many scholarly
women and men including religious personnel came up with several
useful insights and suggestions which will be a matter of serious
reflection during the General Body Meeting.
Over 160 Catholic Bishops of India are expected to attend the
CBCI General Body Meeting in Jamshedpur. Others who will attend
the meeting are the Executive Secretaries of the CBCI Commissions,
representatives of the religious men and women and of the lay
faithful, women and men representatives of 12 Regions. The CBCI
has 218 member Bishops from the Latin, Syro-Malabar and the
Syro-Malankara ecclesial traditions in the country, among whom
160 are heads of the dioceses. There are 30 Archbishops among
whom 3 are Cardinals. There are 123 Bishops, 2 Apostolic Administrators
and 5 Diocesan Administrators. There are 10 Auxiliary Bishops,
I Co-Adjutor Bishop and 47 retired Bishops.
Presently
His Eminence Cardinal Toppo of Ranchi is the President of the
CBCI, His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal of
Trivandrum, Malankara Catholic Church and Bishop Gratian Mundadan
of Bijnor are Vice Presidents and Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes
of Gandhinagar, the Secretary General.
Besides
the Office-Bearers of the CBCI, the other dignitaries who will
grace the occasion are: President of the Pontifical Council
for Laity, Stanislaw Cardinal Rylko and the Apostolic Nuncio
in India, Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana. Professor Rita Noronha
will give the keynote address on “Empowerment of Women
in the Church and Society”.
The Genera! Body Meeting will last for 8 days. During these
days, various programs are organized for the Bishops in Jamshedpur.
There will be a solemn inaugural ceremony on the 13th February
and on the 17th February a civic reception will be held in honour
of the Catholic Hierarchy at Jamshedpur. Thousands of people
including a number of political, social and religious leaders
are expected to attend the event.
Issued
by:
Rev. Dr. Babu Joseph, SVD
Spokesperson, CBCI
CBCI
To Lead A Delegation To Orissa To Study Attacks On Christians
New
Delhi, January 02, 2008
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), the
apex body of the Catholic Church in India will be leading a
delegation to Orissa to make on the spot study of the attacks
on Christians in Orissa on January 3, 2007. A six member delegation
will also include Dr. Babu Joseph, Spokesperson of CBCI who
has been actively involved in highlighting the unwarranted attacks
on Christian in Orissa during Christmas and drawing the attention
of the Governments as well as the Media to give due compensation
to the victims of violence. Shri Sitaram Yechury, the Member
of Parliament from CPM, Shri Francis Fanthome, Member of Parliament,
Shri Vanlalzawma, Member of Parliament, Shri R.K. Nayak, Member
of Parliament and Smt. Annie Raja, the CPI Leader are the members
of the delegation..
The
purpose of the delegation to visit Orissa is to make a study
of the attacks on Christians and present a report to the appropriate
State and Church authorities for further action.
Recently,
CBCI had coordinated various meetings of Archbishop Rapahel
Cheenath of Cuttack-Bhuabaneshwar with the central leaders and
apprised them of the actual situation of Khandhamal district
of Orissa, which witnessed unprecedented atrocities against
Christians .in the State.
In
all the meetings, the Archbishop Cheenath has been assured categorically
of support by the national leaders in the following manner:
