Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangalore (Agenzia Fides) – The situation in Karnataka (southern India) is under control and there is no danger of widespread anti-Christian violence, Fides learns from sources of the Church in Karanataka, following news of a recent attack by Hindu fundamentalist groups against Christian pilgrims who had taken part in a "peace festival" in the district of Udupi, in the Diocese of Mangalore. The Global Council of Indian Christians, a Christian organization based in Bangalore, has released a alarming report, but Church leaders, in speaking to Fides, give a little more realistic perspective.
An authoritative source in the Diocese of Mangalore told Fides: "Hindu extremist groups like the Bajrang Dal are widespread in the territory. In 2008, they launched a campaign against Christians, attacking the churches. Today, the situation is under control. Our faithful Catholics do not give them opportunities to unleash violence. Roman Catholics are peaceful people, tolerant, and live their faith in respect of all. The real problem is that of the Protestant sects: with their style of proselytizing, they provoke the Hindu fundamentalists. There are sects, such as the New Life Fellowship, that arise outside of official Protestant churches. They deny any contact with official Churches and reject all talk of ecumenism and dialogue. This creates a clash of fundamentalisms that results in violence. Other Christians are involved in this conflict, in spite of it all, and it takes its toll.”
Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore, in an interview with Fides, discourages panic: "We are concerned about the presence of Hindu fundamentalist groups in Karnataka, but today the situation is better than two years ago. After that wave of attacks, we are trying to regain ground in the dialogue and peace."
"We must not create panic," notes the Archbishop. "We invite the Catholic faithful to be careful to avoid provocation, to witness to the faith in truth and peace. Tensions arise as many Protestant Christian denominations have a style of evangelization that is provocative: it is counterproductive to go around handing out Bibles, but condemning other religions at the same time. Attitudes such as these constitute a pretext for aggression from Hindu fundamentalists," which are also supported politically by the Hindu nationalist party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, present in the government in Karnataka. "The situation is complex and should be treated with sensitivity and diplomacy. The Catholic faithful remain in peace and prayer," the Archbishop concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/04/2010)
