Over 300 leading Indian industrialists bring Christian values to economy

(January 25, 2010) More than 300 business people attended the first international meeting of Christian industrialists and professionals that concluded on Saturday, January 23 in Mumbai. The two day meeting was organized by the International Christian Chamber of Commerce and Dimension, a group of Christian professionals and managers active in coordinating the various business realities of the Christian community in India. "A new beginning is leading our community to face the challenges of today and grow as an economic reality said Freddie Mendonca co-founder of Dimension. He added that we Christians live a sheltered life protected by the Church, schools and parishes. We work hard and we have an education, but we are not prepared to do business and build relationships. Dimension he adds has created a platform between the various Christian entrepreneurs to guide them to act according to human values, but also to make them aware of their Christian identity." According to Mendonca, the Christian community has a duty to act within the Indian economy to bring the principles of Christianity to the business world. "Christ was not against wealth and the business world, he said. But He did not admit an immoral or unethical use of money." He urges all employers to use the teachings of Caritas in Veritate by Benedict XVI as a guide to operate in a moral and ethical way in today’s world devoid of values. The meeting was also attended by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai. "Today - said the cardinal - relationships are very important. The press, internet and television tell us that we need to be in contact with others to grow and participate in what is happening in the world."