Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Patna (Fides Service) – India’s Catholic priests are alarmed by a growing spirit of intolerance felt all over the country threatened by waves of ideological fascism and Hindu fundamentalism based on Hiindutva. This emerged at a meeting of over 90 Indian priests representing 47 different dioceses on November 6 in Patna.
In a report sent to Fides the Catholic clergy voice concern for the future of Christian communities in India subject to growing social and ideological pressure which can easily explode with acts of violence against Christians and Christian institutions. This aspect was discussed by the priests after they listened to a report on the subject by Father Louis Prakash, SJ Director of the Indian Social Institute. Father Prakash said that religious minorities face violence from growing Fascism not only in India but all over South Asia as it can be seen from situations in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal. “Fascism – he said – means spreading intolerant hegemonies insisting on one nation, one leader, one race, one religion”. The Jesuit priest stressed the need to discern between Hindutva and Hinduism: “The latter is open and accommodative whereas the former is exploitive and patriarchic attempting to subjugate Dalits, women and minorities”. Father Prakash said that also India’s ruling Baratiya Janata Party is influenced by fundamentalist ideologies and movements preaching Hindutva.
The priests discussed attitudes and solutions to be adopted by Catholic communities when faced with violence and intolerance stressing the necessity of remaining united in faith and to offer witness of humility, coherence and dialogue. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/11/2003 lines 33 words 319)
