TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: A Catholic solidarity rally called by the Catholic Association of Goa on Saturday demanded protection to all Christian institutions and religious people, even as it opposed any move by any government to interfere or change the basic principle of freedom to believe, practice and propagate as provided for in the Constitution of India.
At an impressive candlelight rally held in the town here Saturday evening, starting from the Holy Spirit Church and culminating at the Lohia Maidan it was resolved to demand immediate action against the culprits involved in the desecration and vandalism of places of worship.
The rally was attended amongst others by priests
and nuns.
A resolution adopted at the meeting stated that the ‘Christian community is very much hurt at incidents such as ‘Ghar Wapsi’ where force, threats and inducements are used towards conversion which is antithetical to the very proposal of anti-conversion.”
The rally sent a message loud and clear to the Centre that the proposed anti- conversion bill is violating the very basic principles enshrined in the Constitution of India, adding that the provisions already existing therein are sufficient to safeguard the rights.
Addressing the rally at the Lohia Maidan, Dr Francisco Colaco said the people have seen how Christians are being persecuted in the country, while saying that the existing laws are adequate enough to tackle conversions. “Anti conversion bill will be a mockery of the existing law in force,” he said, while asserting that Hindu outfits have been given a free hand to target Christians.
Spiritual advisor to the Catholic Association of Goa, Fr Emidio Pinto said though Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken an oath of office to abide by the Constitution, the people have not seen his action on the ground. “A day ago Modi said the Constitution will be his sacred book, but the Prime Minister should convert his words into action,” Fr Pinto said.
Demanding adequate protection and safety to the Catholic minority, Fr Pinto said the proposed anti-conversion bill will trespass and directly interfere on citizens fundamental rights, adding that “we Catholics are totally against the conversion by force and allurement.”
Capt Eddie Viegas listed various atrocities on the Catholic community in India in spite of the great contributions the Catholic community has done towards healthcare, educational field and social welfare of India, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, being the minority with only 2.3 per cent of the total population.
At the outset, a small prayer for peace and communal harmony was recited by Fr Avinash Rebello, Holy Spirit Church Parish Priest. The rally was flagged off by Catholic Association of Goa president
Edwin Fonseca.
