Church Xmas appeal to Modi

TT, New Delhi, Dec. 23: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, counted among the most influential Christian organisations in the country, has expressed concern over the government's decision to observe Good Governance Day on Christmas Day.

The Bishops' Conference has also appealed to the Prime Minister to take action against the ongoing "forcible" re-conversion programmes.

"The move to replace Christmas Day with Good Governance Day by the government is indeed unfortunate and highly objectionable. This decision is largely painful not only to the Christian community, but to all the citizens of this country," Baselios Cardinal Cleemis, the president of the Bishops' Conference, said in a statement.

"We earnestly, therefore, request our honourable Prime Minister to positively create an atmosphere of peace and harmony in this season of Christmas," the statement said.

Focusing on re-conversion, the statement said: "It is a matter of grave concern that re-conversion events are being held under the label of 'Ghar Wapsi'. A secular society like ours cannot encourage conversions either by force or inducement. Shocking reports are emerging from different parts of the country....

"I strongly urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urgently intervene to address people's concerns over such forcible conversions rampant in the country."

Cardinal Cleemis also referred to a clamour among Sangh parivar groups for a new law against conversions. "The government should take stringent steps to stop re-conversions under the provisions of the existing law. It is imperative that the government initiate actions in this regard within the existing legal systems. I sense that the move for a new law is pre-planned and is contrary to the rights enshrined in the Constitution of our country. The government must protect the rights, guaranteed by the Constitution and ensure the freedom of religion and belief," he said.