India Bishop Cancels Christmas Celebrations

(December 10, 2008) Faced to increased security concerns leading up to national elections, Bishop Gerald Mathias of Lucknow has cancelled traditional Christmas festivities in his diocese. Aid to the Church in Need reported that the bishop of the northern Indian diocese called off the activities that normally draw tens of thousands of people to the city, including an annual Christmas "Dance Drama," and a traditional event for the chief minister of the state, governor and other dignitaries. The diocesan vicar general, Father Ignatius D'Souza, explained to the charity that the period preceding a major election to be held in May, is an unstable time, with the "risk of aggressive acts by extremist political parties determined to influence voting by fair means or foul." "We are concerned about fundamentalist activity. The diocesan Christmas activities can provide an opportunity to take action. He accepted that the security arrangements for the events are good and they have an excellent relationship with the local police department, yet caution is more important. The elimination of certain festivities will also indicate the spirit of solidarity with Christians in Orissa, victims of a wave of anti-Christian violence, as well as the victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai at the end of last month. Local Muslim leaders announced Saturday that they were also reducing Eid celebrations. Father D'Souza stated that in spite of the cancellations, people were invited to visit a Christmas story exhibit at the cathedral, and light a candle according to custom.