Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) – Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and believers of other religions all gathered to condemn the terrible act of violence against the Catholic Church in Nepal: the community has been the target of an attack on May 23, when a bomb exploded in Assumption Cathedral in Kathmandu during the Mass, killing two people and wounding a dozen (see Fides 25/5/2009).
The religious community in Nepal has expressed its solidarity with the Catholic Church, repeating their “no” to violence in the name of religion, publicly denouncing “all those groups that attack religious freedom in the country.”
Those responsible for the terrorist act are members of the “Nepal Defense Army,” a small armed group of Hindu fundamentalists who are fighting to restore the monarchy in the country and who have committed violent acts against democracy and freedom of worship in the past.
The reaction of the Nepalese people has been clear: in recent days, many have come out to make public demonstrations alongside the Christians, expressing their discontent for the extremist groups and the general value for respect, pluralism, and religious freedom upheld by all Nepalese society.
The Christians have called for days of prayer in many places, commenting that “prayer helps to show solidarity and tolerance,” pleading for peace and reconciliation from God.
Caritas Nepal Director Fr. Silas Bogati, during a Mass commented that “in Nepal, there are always optimum relations between the religious communities and several extremist groups, who seek to break this harmony,” assuring that the “strengths of evil will not prevail.”
The Church of Nepal is organizing a demonstration and a march on May 31, to spread awareness among the population on the question of religious freedom and the rights of each citizen to profess their own faith. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/5/2009)
