Church welcomes governor's promise to protect minorities

(July 02, 2009) Catholics in Karnataka have welcomed the new governor's promise to protect religious minorities in the southern Indian state, the scene of anti-Christian violence last year. Hans Raj Bharadwaj, who took over as the governor on June 29, said he would restore Karnataka's image as an example of "fellowship of faith." He succeeded Rameshwar Thakur, under whose tenure Hindu radicals attacked many churches and Christians across Karnataka. In India, governors are representatives of the country's president who appoints them for a five-year term, in consultation with the federal government, Bharadwaj, 72, was a Congress Party member until becoming governor. He said the head of a state has the duty to protect every person, minority or majority, and people of all faiths. Church people say the new governor has given them hope that the state will restore the constitutional freedom of religion to minorities. "Christians face continued harassment ... and are threatened by rumours of an anti-conversion bill," says Father Faustin Lobo, spokesperson of the Church in Karnataka. The Indian constitution allows citizens to profess, practice and preach a religion of their choice. However, several states, such as Orissa, have stringent laws to stop "forced" religious conversions.