The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India has hit out at the Delhi Archbishop's circular to churches and other Christian institutions across the country to hold prayers nad observe a fast on Fridays for the sake of the nation.
The president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India has hit out at the Delhi Archbishop's circular to churches and other Christian institutions across the country to hold prayers nad observe a fast on Fridays for the sake of the nation.
In his letter, Anil Couto, the Archbishop, said that, ‘We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation…As we look forward towards 2019, when we will have new government, let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, 2018 which marks the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, consecrating ourselves and our nation to the Immaculate Heart.’
In response to the circular, Cardinal Oscar Gracias, President of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India said he didn't think Christians were being attacked all over the country. "It's unfortunate that there are misguided elements who create problems. Govt must give a strong message that such incidents won't be tolerated," he told ANI.
Cardinal Gracias, who is also the Archbishop of Mumbai, was one of the 22 Cardinals who selected Pope Francis.
Delhi's Archbishop Anil Couto's circular drew a lot of flak. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that, ‘PM is working towards inclusive growth without discriminating while breaking barriers of religion and castes. We can only ask them to think with progressive mindset.’
BJP’s Shaina NC also criticised the Archbishop’s circular, saying, ‘Wrong to try and instigate castes or communities. You can tell them to vote for the right candidate or party but to suggest to vote for one party and not another and term yourself as secular is unfortunate.’
The RSS also slammed the circular. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh ideologue Rakesh Sinha termed the move as a ‘direct attack on Indian secularism and democracy’.
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