PANJIM: Expressing his deep shock over recent acts of violence and intimidation against Christians in the country, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrão on Thursday appealed to the central government authorities to take appropriate action to stop such incidents.
In a strongly-worded statement, Archbishop Ferrão has also asked authorities concerned to give the minority communities the assurance that they are protected and safe in their own country.
Commenting on some recent acts of violence and intimidation against Christians which have taken place in the country, Archbishop Ferrão said: “Acts of violence and intimidation against Christians have been taking place in this country, almost systematically, in the last few months.”
“Such acts, coupled with attempts at distorting history and the intimidatory tactics of Ghar Wapsi, have not only hurt the feelings of the minority communities – particularly of Christians – and created a sense of insecurity in them, but also threatened the multi-centennial secular ethos of this country, upheld and celebrated in our Constitution.”
He voiced his solidarity with the Catholic Bishops of India as well as with other Christian communities that have voiced their apprehensions in various forums.
“I wish to express my deep shock at this state of affairs in our country, to which we are proud to belong and where we claim our rightful place to be what we are and to contribute freely for the progress of our nation,” said Archbishop Ferrão.
“I earnestly appeal to all concerned, particularly to our central government authorities, to intervene and take appropriate action to stop such incidents and to give the minority communities the assurance that they are protected and safe in their own country,” he added.
