TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Congratulating National Democratic Alliance led by BJP on its thumping win in the general elections, the Catholic bishops of India is hoping that the new government will uphold eternal values, secularism and principles of democracy to lead the nation on the path of development.
In a statement made public on Tuesday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) President Cardinal Baselios Cleemis has also advised the Congress party “to learn from experience and perform as a creative force in the opposition knowing the pulse of the public.”
Cardinal Cleemis congratulated National Democratic Alliance, led by BJP, on its thumping win in the general elections.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Ferrao is the vice-president of the CBCI, which has around 180 members and 59 honorary members, besides serving in 167 dioceses all over India as of February.
“Let the new government led by BJP enable the India of Mahatma Gandhi stand tall among the world nations ensuring protection, security, welfare and sustained development of the people of all sections,” Cardinal Cleemis said in the statement.
He hoped that the new government will continue to uphold eternal values, secularism and principles of democracy to lead the nation on the path of development.
Reaffirming the Catholic Church’s support to the government’s activities in the process of nation building, he said that the new government has the responsibility to ensure the security of the minorities and to show special consideration towards the weaker sections of the country.
