ASIA/INDIA - Violence, abuse, the perpetrators, the reasons: what or who is behind attacks on Christians in Orissa. Archbishop Raphael Cheenath sends exclusive report to Fides

Bhubaneswar (Agenzia Fides) - A report on the sad events last December, attacks on Christians homes and institutions; an explanation with regard to the perpetrators, the gangs responsible and the reasons; reference to a state of crisis and necessity; a note on relations between Christianity and the doctrine of 'political Hinduism' and possible future developments. All this and more is contained in an exclusive Report sent to Fides by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath SVD, Catholic Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, capital of the eastern Indian state of Orissa following attacks on Christian churches, homes and schools last month (see Fides 21 January 2008 and 29 January 2008).
Christians live in fear of more violence while civil authorities refuse to let humanitarian organisations visit the area to assist displaced families whose homes were torched.
The Archbishop's Report intends to increase public awareness of the serious situation and gravity of the facts and to ask Christians all over the world to help the affected people and alleviate the suffering of Catholic communities in Orissa with economic aid and prayers.
We have made the Report available on our web site, hoping that international organisations, media operators and Christians around the world will want to express closeness and concrete solidarity with suffering Indian Christians in Orissa. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/1/2008 righe 26 parole 268)