Orissa, India: Top Indian court tells Orissa Officials: Protect Christian community, or Step down: Christians in the Areas have suffered a genocide

(Social Justice South Africa; Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Catholic World News (Catholic; Independent) 06/01/2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

India's top court has lamented: that it took +-50 000 people to flee their homes: before any protection to Christians: was given. Christians: who were raped, beaten up, murdered, and had possessions, and property: either stolen or burnt, have suffered "Ethnic Cleansing", Blitz, or Genocide: since Hinduist sectarians: have attacked them: blaming an assassination, of a radical leader: conducted by Maoist Rebels, on Christians: instead of on those claiming responsibility: and using this to springboard a genocide.

The Court: has demanded: that minority rights be protected: claiming that the government must either start to protect Christians, who still are endangered by roaming mobs of Hindu Nationalists, thought still to be operating, or these authorities should resign. It also lamented the fact: that no protection was afforded Christians: before the 50 000 or so fled their homes.

Nuns were arrested for crimes, such as kidnapping, of orphans in their care: which it was later proven (after arrests) that they did not do: and authorities have been accused of covering up negligence. Authority forces: have also been accused of standing by, doing nothing: as mobs attacked, beat up, stole from, and abused: minority Christians. Forced conversions: proved by violence to be done against fellow Christians: have occurred.

South Africa's the "Times" and "Sunday Times", has published several "letters" attacking Christians in India: in their articles section online. The paper: has regularly presented a certain view of Christianity.

India, recently fell foul of a terrorist attack, which authorities in India: are blaming on a Pakistani militant group.

Mumbai, India, Asia, Eurasia: Blasts, hostage situations kill over 100: foreigners thought to be targetted

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. BBC World News 27/11/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Over 100 people have been killed, over 300 injured in co-ordinated, and tactical terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. The attacks, however are thought to aim at the Indian economy. If it were simply more terrorist attacks, this is common in a country with tens of thousands of internal refugees, a Genocide active in Orissa, and many rebels groups. Analysis of the tragedy has lead accusations to be made at Al Qaeda, however: Somalia's international underground may also have some connection to this: due to Indian attacks on Pirates, Maoist Rebels, or one of many groups could well be responsible for attacks. No claims were made over responsibility.

Attacks involved high class hotels, tourism, and a train station.

What differs in this attack, is that it targeted foreigners, and killed over 100 people in a central economic hub of India. It certainly seems, as September 11th was: to be aimed at economics, not statements alone.

With thanks to an important correspondent of our online paper: we have noted this tragedy.

The following links are from a secular media house, we were alerted to them by our correspondent:
Video of circumstances of attacks:

http://www.thestar.com/fpLarge/video/544181

images of circumstances, results of attacks:

http://www.thestar.com/fpLarge/photo/544192

Indians abroad mourn attacks:

http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/544190

Update: a newly known Islamic group has claimed responsibility, according to one news source, we have yet to verify this.

Orissa, India, Asia: Christian Death Toll breaks 100 mark: 118 dead according to "reliable sources"

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. News 24 (secular)25/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Of about a 50 000 or so population which fled homes in Orissa, under heavy persecution for religious views: by Hindu Nationalist fundamentalists: 10 000 currently reside in internal refugee camps, into which attacks have been recorded as succeeding. According to News 24, at least 91 corpses have been identified, while another 27 are confirmed dead by what they deemed reliable sources.

The violence follows the assassination of a radically anti-Christian leader, who was killed by Maoist rebels. After his death, Hindu Extremists: used this as fuel on which to intensify persecution of Christians. Training camps for millitia have been set up, and recruiting of anti-Christian millitia continues. The Indian Government has been accused by sources on the ground of a mass cover-up, and of negligence, over the entire situation. A major Hindu political party also attacked the papacy for prayers for peace in Orissa, using a classical power game: claiming that India is "sovereign", as though this extended to some right to kill others, or watch them die.

Violence in Orissa, is condemned by major religions in the area, including less radical Hindu leaders.

India, AsiaNews.IT: Vishwa Hindu Parishad "Training" combattants: bounties out for killing Christians, as Hindu nationalists aim at finishing their Genocide, via payments

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa ; Philippine Bishops' Conference News (CBCP News)23/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Vishwa Hindu Parishad, whose claims are a central motivator for the Orissa violence, as violence is said to be an "act" of "revenge" against Christians for the death of a leader of the group, even though it is Maoist Rebels, who have claimed responsibility for the assassination: is now rumored to be creating "centers" of sorts, where youth can "learn" to be more effective in attacks on those professing Christianity. This is, according to the Philippine's Bishops' news service's source in this, based on an article by AsiaNews: if it is to believed. The development, follows others in the region around Orissa, India.

 Efforts, by the vengeful Hindu Nationalist groupings, in which the VHP has been accused of playing a role: at getting rid of remaining slithers of Christian influence, wealth and livelihood, include relatively inexpensive bounties on still professing Christians, as well as on Priests: such as US 250 per priest, or else basic necessities are traded for some acts of violence.

Illegal activities: for which Indian hit men, are supposedly to get paid for, in anti-Christian attacks, include burning down churches, or the slaying of important Christians. Previously, what seemed to be ideologically motivated volunteers would carry out attacks, these continue to, but, of late: their influence has yet to kill every Christian. Also, volunteers, generally hurt, or chase Christians, but are less prone to be effective killers.

Those who are getting paid for attacks are not paid wealthy sums, desperation, and self interest still cannot be ruled out in the attacks. Some have linked these to the destructions wrought on the cast system in Orissa, by the conversion of Christians to Christianity. Others have noted the appropriation of property by attackers, which could be seen as opportunism.

This latest development: is as winter comes around the corner, and Christians are lucky if left to suffer as internal refugees, in camps, which dispatches from AsiaNews.it on earlier dates have alleged to be: as unsafe, and prone to attacks. The fleeing persecuted's own houses have often been taken over by perpetrators of attacks, as with some of their goods. The Indian government is at this late hour: fronting claims of a special task force to protect Christians, the reality of these claims is yet to be seen in the future if lives are saved, as over 50 000 Christians have been adversely affected, and at last count: dozens had died. The attacks were already happening in September.

It could be hoped that: training camps, much like those run by militants at one stage in Afghanistan: aimed, in this case at Hindu Nationalists, attempting to kill Christians with more primitive weapons, even crude weapons: including swords, would not be successful in wiping out what remains of a persevering Christian outpost, in such a region of such a country, a country, whose government has, according to sources on the ground: been negligent at best at preventing deaths, and has been accused of a coverup over the genocide, by an important local church representation, which alleges this is to cover up the negligence with which local officials handled the situation.

Humanitarian Issues still not resolved

(Social Justice South Africa)

Article by Marc Aupiais

We would like to update on some issues- the situations in India, DRC, Somalia, and other areas we reported on are still largely happening, with some or other manifestation. Such issues are overcome by actions and by prayers.

Orissa, India- "Pillar of Church" and candidate for a future bishop dies- thought to be from wounds sustained in tactical anti-Christian violence

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. UCAN (Catholic) News 29/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Church representatives have called him a pillar, a martyr, whose blood may help cure the dire hemoraging of the Indian Catholic church, and democracy, and a nun in the area has even noted that he was a candidate to be the next bishop in the area. All of this did not prevent a crowd of Hindu Nationalists from severely beating the man who died having blood clots enter his brain. Father Bernard Digal, who is 47, died yesterday at 8:45 p.m (probably local time).

In India, Christians face what seems to fit the 1950's declaration by the UN General Assembly, of what genocide is to be considered as, so as to allow the punishment of war criminals. At least 59 people have been killed, 50 000 left homeless, as Christians are killed, beaten, have their houses and possessions either burnt or appropriated, and face what a bishops in Orissa's capital- say is an unwillingness by the Indian government to react. This is as International calls for peace in the region were attacked by India's Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as against India's sovereignty.

Leaders from all major religions in the region have condemned the violence.

India- Local Film-maker makes low budget film on Indian Saint, Sister Alphonsa's, life, possible joy to Christians during current genocide

(Journey in a Broken World; Reuters 27/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Sister Alphonsa, who purposely hurt herself, to turn off suiters, to ensure herself a future place in the convent, against the whims of society and a young heart, died about 60 years ago, however, her short, and inspiring life will come alive again on the Big screen in India, in her local dialect. It is not in the Indian state of Orissa, where the violence is taking place, that the film was shot and will be released, nor does the film mention the riots, and violence in the area.

It is however possibly good for the suffering community, who see daily, and hear daily of the suffering of those in Orissa, where Christians are being systematically scared away, or wiped out, economically, or physically, to see the content this movie, in a country, where the government has periodically been accused of some form of negligence since the outbreak of the Hindu Nationalist violence in Orissa, and some surrounding areas.

Vatican- Pope- I am especially concerned about Indian and Iraqi Christians- under such persecution at present

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. News 24 (secular) 26/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

This Sunday, Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, of the illustrious Roman Catholic Church, having announced plans to visit Africa, noted some spots of trouble for Christians, noting especially some eastern countries, where Christians suffer intolerance, unjust violence, and are forced or threatened into leaving their homes. He by name mentioned India, where over 50 000 Christians have been adversely affected, and 60 have been killed in an anti-Christian Genocide, and Iraq, where about 2300 Christians recently had to flee the city of Mossul.

He also mentioned hopes for China, where authorized religion is controlled, and censored by the state, and Catholic priests and bishops seemingly have appeared to disappear every now and again, and where the underground church suffers grave threats daily. China and the Vatican have no diplomatic relations, this since 1951, and the Chinese Catholic church is considered sacramental by the papacy, but not due to any compromises to allow safe worship in the country, however underground bishops are not permitted to partake in many meetings on Chinese soil.

The "Open" Catholic Church, in the control of the Chinese government, is one Catholics are discouraged from attending in a very extreme sense by the Vatican, due to the control of it by a foreign power.

Sunday Independent- Maoist rebels claimed to have killed Hindu Fundamentalist leader- the death sparked anti-Christian Genocide

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f.Sunday Independent 06/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

It is ages ago that this was said, none the less, it will aid our reader's perspective. The murder which prompted the killing of Christians in a genocide currently in India, was caused by one man's death. Responsibility for this death has in fact been claimed not by Christians, but by Maoist Rebels in India.

India- I was Raped, publically shown naked in front of police, who did nothing, I will not co-operate- Nun, who refuses to co-operate with Police. Int

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. The Star 24/10/08; Sunday Independent 24/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Speaking to international media, an Indian Nun, who is said to have been captured, raped and paraded around naked, next to a priest, by a large amount Hindu Fundamentalists, in Orissa, India on the 25th of August 2008, says she will not co-operate with India's Police. She says that police were present when she was paraded naked in public by the mob, and that the police did nothing. These claims are almost mirror images of claims by other nuns (Sisters of Charity- founded by Blessed Mother Theressa), who were captured by a mob, and turned over to police on charges that they had kidnapped orphans in their care. The nuns were held without evidence, and were promptly able to show papers to prove their case. police still were not sympathetic.

Other sources claim that refugee camps are not protected, this due to the fact that attacks have been recorded by journalists to reach within the camps. The Archbishop of the capital of Orissa, Bhubaneswar- Archbishop Cheenath, has of late- claimed that there was more of the appearance of a government cover-up over guilt of officials in the genocide, in a recent inquiry, than efforts to bring about law and justice. The many deaths, are claimed by many Catholic bishops to be partly due to the way the government has handled the situation, and victims often claim that police or government personnel were nearby when they were attacked, but did nothing.

The Indian government is in the habit of not mentioning, in death reports- that those suffering attacks are Christians. A prominent Indian Hindu Nationalist Party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), also recently attacked prayers for peace in the region by Catholic pope Benedict XVI- insinuating that the Vatican was not within their rights, by in their statements- including that religious leader should not say anything, and that India is a "sovereign" nation, as though this entitled the exclusion of foreign calls for laws to be enforced, not against the oppressed, but for basic human rights to be safeguarded.

Canada- Church officials appeal for investigation- is Canadian money helping to fund Indian Genocide?

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 23/10/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The defining trait of the Nazi regime, stalinist communism, and most dictatorships- is a deathly nationalism, which bulks at difference, and diversity. This may have something to do with claims that not only India's soul, and heritage are at stake in the allowance of an anti-Christian genocide, but also her democracy.

The Canadian bishops are asking their government to join efforts throughout the world, to somehow pressure the Indian government to do what it was elected to do, implement constitutional, and legal rights- and take some concrete action to prevent the complete wiping out of Christians in the large area of Orissa, and other places where the nationalist violence has spread among Hindu Fundamentalists.

The violence has spread far since it began to be noticed around early September. It is fronted by Hindu Nationalists, who have been converting non-Hindus at weapon's point, and have burnt, or stolen houses, lands, or goods of Christians, who are either chased away, convert, and must prove this through joining violence, or are killed by fundamentalists, or else risk death in hiding- by nature's natural elements, including disease, in the Indian jungles.

The bishops are asking for investigations by the Canadian government, into whether or not Canadian money is making its way into the hands of those promoting the genocide in India. The mass slaughter of Christians in India, has been harshly condemned by leaders of all major religions in the area, and by Pope Benedict XVI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), representing many Hindu voters in India- recently tried to prevent international declarations which would help stop the violence, by calling statements by Holy Father, the current Catholic Pope Benedict XVI- unnecessary foreign intervention with India's sovereign status. The Indian government has been accused of negligence, and of turning a blind eye to attacks, these accusations are made by Christians on the ground, who claim that it would be impossible for personnel stationed in areas, to have not seen the vast mobs carrying out attacks.

The thousands upon thousands adversely affected in this recent outburst of decades of anti-Christian vendettas, suggested to be carried out, in sermons by the teachers of the fundamentalists, has finally manifested all the symptoms required to be genocide, since September.

Agenzia Fides- India- Catholic Archbishop alleges appearances of government cover-up over Indian anti-Christian Genocide

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 22/10/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Archbishop of Orissa's capital is calling the latest "inquiry" of the Indian government nothing more than a political move, saying that what is happening in the area in more than apparent, and that the inquiry is simply more efforts by a government, which show nothing more than a lack of will-power to enforce the laws, and constitution of India.

It has been claimed by news sources for months that the Indian Government's apparent efforts at preventing the effects of the anti-Christian genocide in Orissa, India, have been inefficient. Many have even claimed police negligence, as attacks have been said to happen in areas within reach of government forces, and have even been recorded to enter into refugee camps- where more resistant Christians remain. Others, of the minimum 50 000 currently still displaced or adversely affected in the religious persecution, feel safer to face the jungles than trust government officials by living in camps, others have notably fled the area entirely.

Recently- it was reported that the gradual emptying of camps was not a good sign- but rather it was observed by some and it was speculated that it was evident that Christians were moving out of the area. This was furthered last Friday when the Hindu fundamentalist who chased the Christians away from their homesteads, through violence, murder, and the burning of possessions, have since been reported as having appropriated the houses of those who barely escaped their wrath. That is to say they have taken over, and are living in the houses of those they have killed, and chased away.

It is in this context that Archbishop Raphael Cheenath of Bhubaneshwar,the capital of Orissa has accused the government of India of appearing to be attempting a cover-up of the negligence of government officials, through the current inquiry by judges appointed to look into the ongoing genocide. He has asked for impartial judges to look into the violence, and events surrounding it- clearly stating his belief that the judges currently looking into the violence have no aim at justice- but are biased from the start. The judges were appointed without consultation of victims or communities.

India still continues a practice since the beginning of the violent upheaval- of not releasing to the international press the identity of those who are killed. On the ground- the corpses are more than obviously Christian, as related- to the international press by friends and family of those primitively, yet tactically murdered.

India- Agenzia Fides- Indian Hindu Fundamentalists reappropriate Christian lands- having driven thousands into jungles, killed many,

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 21/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Having chased them from their homes by a calculated Genocide- in which Christian sources allege government negligence- Hindu Fundamentalists are moving into homes once belonging to Christians.

The lower levels in refugee camps, according to Agenzia Fides- cannot be attributed to a drop of violence- but to Christians migrating away from the violence. Over 50 000 people are facing obsticles, while hiding in Indian jungles, despite dangers faced from nature, and constant threat of annihilation from Hindu extremist, or else in government sponsored refugee camps- into which some attacks have been picked up as succeding by international press agencies.

India recently made headlines for a mission into space- it cost 60 million Euros.

The lives cost of Christians within the country due to inadequate actions from a government which either can't or wont secure the security of Christian citizens- has been far greater than sending an object into space to analize resources on the moon.

Social Justice South Africa- India- Genocide continues- Church encourages courage- and Godly actions- reminds Christians of Christ Crucified, and takes joy in recent canonization of an Indian Saint

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 17/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As the Indian genocide against Christians, especially targeting Catholics- continues- the church was organizing another peaceful protest. The recent canonization of an Indian saint- is hoped to give courage and hope to the Indian Christians whose Hindu extremist enemies have so effectively, and tactically carried out a genocide against.

The church on World Missions Day, and the day of this protest, this past Sunday- was, as recorded still on the 17th planned to have asked Christians not to put out the light of Christ, but to bring the light of the gospel into their everyday lives- knowing what a great gift the scriptures, and the gospel of the Holy Roman Apostolic line truly are. They encouraged boldness and in this also- stated that the global Catholic community stands in solidarity with her persecuted brothers and sisters in India. I may note personally that the bible says- when one part suffers- all do!

It is hoped that through preaching the gospel, and the sharing of truth, and living of truth- and reason, which also must be shared- that these enemies of Christianity may be prevented in their efforts- both via preaching, and by non-violent methods, and self defense by Christians.

While many have died in India- the church there is to take hope in their master- Christ crucified- and take hope and courage- in fact this is what we all know from our ancestors is- remaining true to themselves- which entails deeply- loyalty to what they have been taught- and have found to be true- Christ Crucified, Christ Risen, Christ who is with us in the church, and present fully in the Eucharist, and in our every breath if we allow it- and Christ who will come again, resurrecting the bodies of men that judgment may occur.

Agenzia Fides- Indian Anti-Christian Genocide continues

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 15/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As the anti-Christian Genocide in India continues unabated- the Council of Churches in India, have tried to create a bill protecting minorities from discrimination. Hopefully it will pass, but this means nothing unless the Indian government finally decides to enforce minority rights, against the decimation wrought by calculated and tactical genocides, conducted by Hindu Extremists in the country- and as the Hindu party in the Indian parliament recently attacked Benedict XVI, for mentioning the genocide in his prayers for peace. The pope also prayed for the DRC, and Iraq to have peace as Christians and others are persecuted in these nations by violent and greedy oppressors.

INDIA- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Hiduist party denounces Benedict XVI- says India is sovreign in defense of current genocide

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Catholic culture 13/10/08;Vatican Information Service 12/10/08; EWTN 13/10/08)

Artical by Marc Aupiais

The Hinduist party in India- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has decried Benedict XVI for his statements praying for peace (12/10/08) in India, saying that India is "sovereign" (13/10/08), a method often used by the American Anti-Catholic movement until and including recent times to attack Catholics. The party stated that Benedict XVI, as a foreign religious leader had no right to object about or pray for peace on the genocide occurring in India against Christians and in particular Catholics at the moment. Efforts to aid genocide are to be considered issues by which guilt is shared. What is occurring in India is genocide if we take the UN definition- and those aiding it are guilty of aiding and abetting genocide.

The Holy Father (EWTN 13/10/08)also yeasterday canonized India's first female saint- St. Alfonsa of the Immaculate Conception 1910-1946. He noted, so in line with the current genocide in India- that this saint not only lived in perpetual issues, hardships, trials, and sufferings- but believed these to be her path God-given to God's salvation.

Those committing genocide against our Christian brothers and sisters claim they are doing the work of the Hindu faith. International organizations, while noting the defamatory comments made by many of the Hindu leaders against Catholics and other Christians in recent times, also believe that the real reason for the genocide is that Christianity has been disrupting the Indian cast system, where one's lot in life is settled by the position of their parents. None of the excuses given by the Hindu nationalists can justify the thousands affected by their tactical, calculated genocide. These recent statements by a Hinduist party show just how shocking the negligence of the Indian government. Christians have accused police of standing by doing nothing, while watching these calculated assaults take place. The assaults have not been prevented by the Indian government in refugee camps- forcing many Christians to flee to the jungles, where they face, and some have realized the deadly effect of- threats from natural causes.

India- Fifteen thousand walk in solidarity with Catholics against the Anti-Christian and other Violence

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Agenzia Fides 03/10/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Showing signs of solidarity- 15 000 people of different faiths- Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Sikh and Buddhist, demonstrated their protests at attacks on Christians (02/10/2008)- where leaders of different religions denounced the violence, which seems to fit the description of genocide- occurring in India at present.

Hindu supremacists, responsible for the attacks were condemned at this meeting. The Hindu religious leaders have continually decried these actions so foreign to right morals, and were again present at this march- which fortunately also picked up some political support, with certain politicians present.

The vigil involved prayers in front of a monument to Ghandi- a founding father of the secular Indian Nation, where religious rights were emphasized by leaders. India has a history of harmony emphasized between religions, however BBC yesterday- which finally gave this crisis more airtime, on the raping of a Catholic nun- conducted an interview with a non-denominational organization which claimed that tensions have been rising for decades- with Christians being slandered for that time by many leaders.

It is Catholic schools, homes, churches, and citizens that are hardest hit by this violence that crosses territories, and targets Christians of every creed.

Police negligence has been alleged by Christian sources- who claim that the police are not doing enough to quell violence, and that attacks make it even into refugee camps. Many of those fleeing the violence- having escaped with their lives- face dangers from nature in India's jungles, which have been demonstrated to claim lives. We, based on the news of another organization- particularly reported on the death of Sister Mable on September 30, 2008, who had prior this- lost her life to malaria.

Indian, and Asian continent Bishops again appeal for aid on violence!

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; Agenzia Fides 29/09/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Asian Catholic Bishops- representing the entirety of the Asian continent's Catholic Bishops- have repeated unsuccessful appeals by Indian Bishops, and international Catholic sources to bring an end of the anti-Christian Genocide occurring in large regions of India. The Federation of Asian Bishops voiced their concerns- and noted that India's constitution should invoke their protection, saying that Christians too are citizens of India who should be entitled to protection from religious violence!

There has yet to be retaliatory attacks from the Christians, who have been urged to take non-violent means, peace and forgiveness. These Perpetrators of Human dignity- must be brought under strict punishment, surely- we must pray that these poor persons- whose only crime is hope in Christ- may survive this harsh genocide!

Their statements may be seen here:

http://www.fides.org/aree/news/newsdet.php?idnews=17771&lan=eng

India- More persecution of Christians- Christians fleeing to jungle face threats from nature

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Catholic World News 29/09/08 as seen at Catholic Culture)

Article by Marc Aupiais

After contracting Malaria in the jungle among Christian refugees fleeing the Anti-Christian Hindu Extremist mobs- who have burnt over 4 000 Christian homes, and killed directly and indirectly- many Christians- 30 year old nun- Sister Mable, died of Malaria- despite getting to a hospital.

The Indian Government has set up 14 refugee camps. Christian refugees report that these camps are not safe- with attacks succeeding within these as well- and therefore many Christians have fled to the jungles.

Refugees face daily threats to their existence- and not only from mobs, who force conversions, but from nature, having fled to places in the jungle.

The international community has yet to mention this recent genocide- in any way so as to reach us! To prove to the mops that their conversion really "has" happened- Christians must take violent actions against peers, and sign- lying that of their own free will they convert to Hinduism.

Indian Bishops on Persecution- AsiaNews.IT

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; AsiaNews.it)

The Following article is used with permission. While most of our articles are freely distributable by those supporting our causes- so far as this distribution is not for prophet, or is reqested in writing- the following may not be distributed without prior permission from AsiaNews.it, who have permitted us to place this here.

" 09/26/2008 17:31
INDIA
Indian bishops make demands in relation to anti-Christian violence
by Card. Varkey Vithayathil
For the first time the Bishops’ Conference of India formally accuses Hindutva groups, demanding justice from central and state governments. Its goal is to preserve India’s civilisation of tolerance and guarantee the good works by Christians in favour of the poor and the outcasts and for social reconciliation.

Bangalore (AsiaNews) – Here is the statement signed by Card Varkey Vithayathil on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India concerning anti-Christian violence, released today:
Shocked and grieved by the incidents of extreme violence unleashed against the Christian community recently in various parts of our Country, the members of the Standing Committee (Executive Body) of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India express their utter disappointment at the apathy and inaction of the Governments at the Centre and in the States.

Tragic events

Innocent people were murdered, women were molested, churches and religious places were desecrated, pulled down and burnt; houses of Christians were destroyed in Kandhamal and several other districts of Orissa. The State Government kept giving an assurance that things were normal and security arrangements were perfect. Yet when representations were made, it pleaded inability to control the mobs that vandalized church property assailed religious personnel and Christian population. It was evident that the perpetrators of these hideous deeds were trained agents of radical Hindutva activists who were acting under instructions and executing a master plan of destruction. Even as the Christian community in India was still agonizing under these most painful events, attacks and vandalism spread to Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh

It is India's ancient civilization that is being humiliated and the values such as Ahimsa, Truth, Tolerance, and Respect for Religions that She has jealously preserved for centuries that are being dragged to the dust. It is India's fair name that has been tarnished and her secular and democratic image seriously damaged before the international community. These recent horrors in various parts of our country have disgraced the high ideals and principles that our wise men and saints upheld and the vision that our Founding Fathers cherished.

We appreciate the initiative of the Government of India in sending a fact-finding team to study the situation in Karnataka. At the same time we express our disappointment because no corresponding action has been taken until now in the State of Orissa, where the violence and destruction were of much greater magnitude.

Our demands

We make the following demands:

– That stronger and stringent action be taken against all kinds of anti-social and anti-religious elements that violate human rights and terrorize innocent people;

– That culprits should be brought to book and legal action be taken against them;

– That adequate compensation be immediately given to the affected people and institutions;

– That CBI inquiry be immediately ordered to investigate the Orissa incidents and their nexus to attacks on Christian communities in other States;

– That a ban be imposed on fundamentalist groups that train "terrorists" under the banner of Hindutva or any other name;

– That the leaders who act on a communal agenda, or who inspire organized violence against persons of another community, or who use religion for political purposes be restrained.

– That in the event of people taking the law into their own hands, the police be instructed to act in accordance with the demands of law and order, with justice and without prejudice.

The teaching of the church

We are convinced that the allegations of forced conversions by Christian communities is merely a strategy developed by vested interests in order to prevent Christian services of health, education, poverty alleviation and development on behalf of deprived communities. Conversion by force, allurements or deception goes against the teaching of the Catholic Church: "The Church strictly forbids forcing anyone to embrace the Faith, or alluring or enticing people by worrisome wiles. By the same token, she also strongly insists on this right that no one should be frightened away from the Faith by unjust vexations on the part of others” (Vatican Council II). Further Church Law prescribes: "No one is ever permitted to coerce persons to embrace the Catholic faith against their conscience."

It is truly humiliating to the poor to claim that they easily yield to the temptation of converting to any religion for some material advantage. In fact, the poor who choose Christianity forfeit so many benefits guaranteed by the Constitution. Some have even sacrificed their lives for refusing to reconvert.

The Catholic Church respects other religions and holds what is true and holy in them as a precious heritage of humanity. Her teaching in this matter is clear. "The Catholic Church regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teaching which, though differing in many aspects from the ones she holds and sets forth, nonetheless often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all men." She exhorts all her children "prudently and lovingly, through dialogue and collaboration with the followers of other religions and in witness of Christian faith and life, to acknowledge, preserve and promote the spiritual and moral goods, found among these people, as well as their values in their society and culture." (Vatican Council II)

We perceive that the Hindutva opposition to Christian activities derives from the fear that many of the deprived communities may be so empowered as to assert their own rights and resist exploitation. No matter how great the threat that may confront us, we cannot renounce the heritage of love and justice that Jesus left us. He said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed." (Gospel of Luke 4:18). When Jesus went about healing the sick, associating with outcasts and assisting the poor, those works were not allurements but the concrete realization of God's plan for humankind: to build a society founded on love, justice and social harmony. The Church therefore is walking in the footsteps of her Master when she exerts herself to the utmost for the benefit of humanity, especially those who are poor and marginalized.

Our constitutional rights

Every citizen and community of our Country has an inalienable right to freedom of conscience and religious liberty. The Indian Constitution, article 25 § 1, upholds that "all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion." It is this right of every citizen to embrace the religion which best satisfies his/her quest for God and for fulfilment. This constitutes an essential part of Human Rights. We belong to a civilization that attaches great importance to this right.

Christian response

Ultimately, Christian response to harassment and persecution may be expressed in one word: forgiveness, and this while we seek to have our rights safeguarded and justice done. If however, some choose to consider the sufferance of the Christian community as a weakness, they are seriously mistaken. We wish to remind everyone that we are citizens of this great country. We too have had a share in shaping this civilization and continue to contribute a great deal to the growth and development of this nation. The Catholic Church in India has always played an active role in promoting inter-religious dialogue and inter-religious harmony. It is with absolute resolve to live in harmony and in happy collaboration with everyone around us, that we seek to serve God and our Nation.

We are heartened by persons of Hindu society and of other communities who have come forward to condemn the evil deeds of a fringe group of fundamentalist activists and to help the victims of violence in many ways. We are grateful that the majority of the people of our Country recognize the small Christian minority as a peace-loving community, ever eager to render service to people of all social strata and religious affiliations, especially those who are poor and needy.

We express our solidarity with the hapless suffering victims of violence, especially those in Orissa who have been rendered homeless, who are forced to flee into forests, who still languish in relief camps and who are being still cruelly threatened to give up their Christian faith, and in their name we appeal to the Governments concerned to take appropriate and effective action without any further delay and to bring relief and justice to them.

We invite everyone to join in prayer for our great nation, for leaders of the Governments and for Civil Authorities, for all those who have suffered in the recent violence and also for those who were the cause of our sufferings. May God bless our country and lead us on the way of peace and justice.

Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil

President CBCI"
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