Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão held the annual civic reception during the Christmas season. At this celebration, the Archbishop put forth his grievances before the invited guests. The Chief Minister has expressed his desire to meet the Bishop and discuss the accusations. On reading this, I felt a deep respect towards the CM. ‘Whether what the Archbishop has said is right or wrong, I would like to meet him and hold a discussion’ was, I felt, as per propriety. But later articles criticized how the Bishop’s speech had proved to be an insult to the invitees. This awakened my curiosity.
I know Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrão. I have always regarded him as a liberal and fair-minded person. I may have some personal disagreements with him on some matters. But he is not the man who will engage in insulting dignitaries who have been invited. Because I have trust in him, I requested for a copy of his speech and read it minutely. He began his speech with the words: “The Church is always willing to extend a whole-hearted support and backing to whatever steps and programmes our government, may be of any party, is taking in hand for the progress of our country.”
It has been reported that it was not a ‘friendly get-together’ at all but a public reception. It was a ‘citizens’ get-together’ or civic reception. The Bishop, right at the outset, had been very clear on this point. ‘Through this get-together let there come about an understanding and unity and more goodwill and peace. For this reason, we are meeting during the Christmas season.’ He added: ‘It is of great importance.’ Those, whose heart is filled only with hate, may not agree with it. But, those who desire to bring about understanding between one religion and another will definitely appreciate it. “The birth of Jesus is in a way the unity of one and all. If the existence of God and man is one, then whatever work we undertake for humanity is God’s work. On the other hand, when we treat some people as inferior then it is like insulting God.”
I felt that this was in line with the Indian philosophical thought of the Soul and Divinity as Atman and Paratman.
Then he quoted the appreciation of the work of the Church in India by the late President, V V Giri in 1970, ‘Although the Christian community is less than three per cent of the population of India, it has done valuable service in the field of education, health and general social work, it has contributed a great deal. In this selfless service rendered to India, the Christian community has contributed to the enrichment of India’s culture and for this sincere service I express my deep appreciation.’
Whatever the Bishop said after this, suffocated many people. The Bishop said: ‘The proposed draft of the New Education policy has been brought out recently, but such a recognised stakeholder as the Church has not been taken into confidence at all.’ In truth, the Bishop only expressed his grievance openly and not made any accusation.
The Bishop also expressed his concern of elements who look at the Church of India with suspicion accusing it of engaging in proselytization and conversions by offering inducements, which is a false propaganda, he pointed out openly. Should he not have said this during the Christmas season?
The Indian Christian community is one with the Nation. It has gifted the Nation with some of the finest high-ranking defence and administrative personnel. In spite of this, in some areas, Churches have been attacked, robbed and burnt down and unfortunately, the perpetrators of these crimes are not arrested and freed very quickly. Because of this there arises a deep concern for the Nation’s integrity. What the Bishop has spoken is only the truth. He has expressed his sentiments without exaggeration. Citing Jesus as an example, he said: ‘Jesus also had to face crucifixion for working for the betterment of the world. Whilst dying on the cross he did not condemn the torturers, but asked God to forgive them for they did not know what they were doing. The Church is undertaking the service of humanity and protection of the environment as per the teachings of God.’ I feel that every person on earth as well as the government is undertaking the same task under their jurisdiction and on the same lines.
The principles of every religion are similar – material and spiritual well-being of humanity. In the past the Church was rigid but gradually it has become liberal. Pope Francis is a very liberal person and hence there is a feeling of anxiety among the Christians. Pope Francis says: ‘The earth is essentially a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone who is born on this earth.’ Supporting this, the Bishop said, ‘We are the trustees of this wealth on this earth. We have to ensure its fruitfulness for the coming generations. But what we see is an extensive environmental and social damage to Goa, which has generated rampant corruption and even weakened governance.’ This is an injustice to both humanity and environment. Will we not be held responsible for whatever loss the future generations suffer?
Then he underlined in detail the role of the Church during elections. The Church, during elections sets guidelines before the faithful so that the right people are elected. The voters have a sacred duty; how to exercise this right is read out in the church. But they never mention the name of the candidate or political party. Each one should think for oneself and vote according to their conscience. This is our only expectation. And if, as a result of the Church’s advisory, someone is elected, it does not mean the Church canvassed for that person or the party. The Church has a certain criteria according to which it works. But the laws of the land are equally binding on the Church. Therefore, we try to keep contact with the government authorities. Unfortunately, sometimes there are doubts expressed about the rights of the Church and even criticised. In conclusion, he said: ‘Taking the opportunity of this get-together, we are opening our minds. You must try to understand our feelings. We have arranged this get-together in order to bring about a spirit of friendship and with the intention of working together, we have assembled here for this festivity…. We promise that the Church will always provide whole-hearted support to whatever steps the government takes for the development of our state and people.’
I have already given the gist of the Bishop’s speech above. Those who search for specks in other’s eyes, will always find some faults. But there are many who will say the Bishop spoke very well. Whether the motive of the get-together was unsound or good, can be decided by those who were present. I have already mentioned at the outset what the Bishop had said. How he spoke or what was the tone of his address, is also equally important. The words: ‘Corruption is rampant’, may not have been liked by the Chief Minister. His words: ‘I will meet the Bishop and discuss on this point’, are acceptable and understandable, they befit a Chief Minister.
In my opinion there was nothing insulting what Archbishop Ferrão said. But we cannot say that the Church is always right.
The Church did not support FORCE openly but did it not agitate and block the roads in 17 places? And when the Konkani Porjecho Awaz observed ‘Goa Bund’, were there no accusations against the Church? Bishop Ferrão spoke at the Konkani Dalgado Academy function in a chaste and forceful Konkani, we are proud of him. Should we criticize him for not speaking in Konkani before the Governor, Judges, government heads and officials, foreign advocates? This is not acceptable at all.
The Hindu religionists are always looking towards the Christian religionists with suspicion. The Hindu religion (Dharma) is not a problem-seeking religion established through any ideology. This is a dharma which changes according to times and situation. The Bhats in Goa perform pujas in a dhoti and are bare-chested. But in Kulu Manali Temple, the Bhats wear trousers, sweaters and a monkey cap. Some perform the Shradha on the 12th day while others do on the 13th. But Christians’ rituals are the same everywhere irrespective of language. The Swamis and the heads of the Mutts concentrate only on spirituality. But Christianity takes interest in everything. The Church is concerned about the World wars, violence and insecurity. Pope Francis makes efforts to bring about peace in Syria and suggests peace talks. He advises the American President to look at the plight of the refugees through human eyes. He also works to bring peace in Nigeria from the Boko Haram fundamentalists. He requests Cuba and the USA to stop wars and maintain friendly trade relations and even travels to Cuba and the USA in this mission. When the Pope works for world’s well-being, there are people who criticise him. The Church does not concentrate only on spiritual matters but also attempts to solve social and political problems. It has no political or party affiliations and never will.
Outsiders praise the religious harmony in Goa, which is very true. But when attempts are made to destroy this unity, it becomes a matter of concern. Konkani is the only common factor which can succeed in bringing both the communities together. There are concerted attempts even to break this unity. In order to prevent this, both the communities should work intelligently. Common social programmes should be arranged. We should not allow the Archbishop’s address to be misunderstood and if the CM thinks that he (the Bishop) has made a mistake, he may invite him to the Secretariat and hold a discussion. But for this to happen, both should have an open mind and avoid prejudices which are more dangerous than even ‘shani-mangal’.
(This was published as ‘Bishopachem bhaxan osturean kiteak vochchem?’ Prof Edward de Lima has translated it into English in public interest with due permission from the writer. This is an abridged version.)
