Posted on 12/03/2009 11:00:16 AM PST by markomalley
Accusing Christians in India of carrying out a campaign of illegal or fraudulent conversions is a tactic being used by Hindu fundamentalist movements for mere political reasons, says an ecumenical forum of over 500 priests and pastors from different Christian denominations in the state of Karnataka who met in recent days in Bangalore.
The Forum is chaired by Archbishop Bernard Moras of Bangalore and has denounced the attempt by the governments of some Indian states, to approve "anti-conversion" laws, offensive to the religious freedom of Indian citizens.
The allegations of conversions "were exaggerated with the specific intention of creating insecurity and enmity between communities of different religions and Christians. These accusations are politically motivated,” said the Archbishop.
Archbishop Moras said that if some cases have occurred, they shall be investigated and brought before the Court of Justice. But, extending the charge to all Christians indiscriminately, "is just an attempt to create disharmony in society to achieve a political result."
Also, he said, "Christians have never forced anyone," and "the work of proximity and assistance to the poor and marginalized, who often ask to better understand the message of Christ, and who with full awareness and freedom of conscience choose the Christian religion, is there for all to see."
The forum said that the various attacks that are still perpetrated against Christian churches, schools and communities, "are a sign from the Lord, who moves us firmly on the path of ecumenism.” The priests present noted that the current political climate has accelerated the ecumenical cause and the generalized allegations have indeed brought the various Christian denominations in India to seek greater consensus and unity, to respond to the attempts to discredit and slander them.
This has been the first step to strengthen the ecumenical path and to launch joint programs in the areas of liturgy, pastoral, social life, as well as mutual comparison. (PA)
FRAUDULENT conversions? How does that work?
“They told me I was signing up for satellite TV. They gave me some wine to drink. The next thing I knew I was being dunked under water and I was singing the chorus from Onward Christian Soldiers”.
I have a simple solution: STOP issuing all immigrants visas to Indians unless and until all persecution of Christian and Catholics end and all anti-religious laws end. This is a direct affront to the Great Commission and goes to the very heart of religious belief and practice.
Indian Hindus, not unlike Muslims, share a culture, ritual, and religion that is antithetical to western religious traditions.
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20
“And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded to you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
No doubt the UN and the usual suspects in the media will be all over this to denounce religious oppression. Just like they did with the Swiss and minarets...
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And St.Francis started the goa inquisition which went on for 250 years and burnt jews, Indian eastern rite xtians and Hindus at the stake, including women and children
And does this great commission include preaching to Indian muslims
Indian evangelists never go near Indian muslims for fear of death
I must say you make a good point. Indeed, a very good point. I think Benedict XVI addressed this and there were riots. But to answer your point, yes, the first disciples were martyred.
Your proof for that, please. Written in history??
Where is it?
St. Francis Xzvier was a missionary, not a prosecutor. He only cared about souls.
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