ASIA/INDIA - Religious leaders: it is urgent to denounce violence and defend social harmony

Goa (Agenzia Fides) - It is urgent to condemn violence and defend the social and religious harmony of India: with this intent, animated by a deep concern for recent inter-communal tensions in Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Orissa and other states , the spiritual leaders of the six major religions of the country gathered on April 5 in Goa and firmly denounced the attacks and religious violence that occur in the country. The leaders recalled that last week, three Catholic churches were subjected to unjustified violence in Orissa, "at a time when the peaceful Christian community celebrated Easter".
Spiritual leaders representing various faiths expressed deep concern on how "the forces of hatred and division strive to polarize Indian politics", launching an appeal to all men and women of good will to "defend social harmony", affirming that "the country can make progress only when people live with one another as brothers and sisters, only when hatred gives way to love and peace replaces violence".
The statement sent to Agenzia Fides was released at the conclusion of the meeting organized in Goa by the Indian Bishops' Conference (CBCI) in collaboration with associations of other religions. The text, signed by the Secretary General of the CBCI Mgr. Theodore Mascarenhas, by Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim leaders, condemns "those who are trying to inject the poison of hatred into society" and reiterates that "every Indian has his dignity and the right to decide what to eat, to marry the person of their choice, to choose the path of education, to freely practice whatever faith one wishes to profess". "No one should be labeled as anti-national or non-patriotic based on his religion, region or community membership", notes the statement.
Condemning violence, lynchings and killings, the authorities are asked to take a strong and rapid action against those involved in anti-social acts. Spiritual leaders deplore attacks against educational institutions and places of worship, and invite respect for the norms and articles of the Indian Constitution. The religious leaders also underline that "the rights of the Dalits, the tribals, the marginalized, the workers and the poor must be supported and protected".
Mgr. Theodore Mascarenhas, supported by other religious leaders, reported that the initiative launched in Goa will continue with a series of meetings throughout the country "to create positive energy to overcome hatred". (PN) (Agenzia Fides, 7/4/2018)

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religious freedom

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violence

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religious minorities

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human rights

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politics

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dialogue

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extremism

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peace

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justice

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