PANJIM, SEPT 23
The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has urged all churches in the country to pray ahead of the Ayodhya title suit verdict to be pronounced by the Allahabad High Court.
“The verdict on the Ayodhya mosque should be fair, and accepted by all parties, and lead to interfaith harmony. India has a pluralist tradition of peace and this must be defended at all costs,” said CBCI President Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who was quoted in the AsiaNews.
“The Church is not a party to this case, but it has a role to play, as a bridge builder for understanding, tolerance and respect. For this reason, we must use prayer, the most powerful weapon we have at our disposal,” said Cardinal Gracias in the report.
“The verdict could lead to violence between Muslims and Hindus. Clashes would in turn raise tensions and cause social disorder.”
“As spiritual leaders in India, we have called on all the faithful to pray for our beloved homeland, especially for peaceful acceptance of the sentence,” said Cardinal Gracias.
According to AsiaNews, the archbishop of Mumbai, who traces his roots to Orlim-Salcete, is the first religious leader to ask his fellow believers to pray for Ayodhya, which, after the destruction of the mosque, was turned into a Hindu temple.
“This call to pray can be easily understood by the fact that India is a profoundly spiritual nation. Here, religious leaders are much respected and heeded. This is part of India’s culture and life. It is essential for us to lead people against violence and favour true brotherhood,” Cardinal Gracias said.
“All Indians must be like brothers. They must apply the principle of reciprocity among all religions. We must make sure that India is not just an economic power, but that it is spiritual and moral authority be recognised among the nations.”
Cardinal Gracias pointed out that the verdict in the trial would “touch everyone, not only Hindus and Muslims.”
“We must continue to fight for religious freedom and respect for places of worship, fundamental rights for progress and development. They are part of our cultural heritage and are protected by our constitution. But above all, they are the foundation of man’s dignity,” he was quoted in the report.
