Catholics gauge views on secularism in Nepal

(Aug.25,2010) Catholics in Nepal have met with leaders of other religions to gauge their views on secularism, amid increasing calls for the delayed constitution to declare Hinduism as the national religion again. About 50 Religious Fathers, Sisters and Brothers from some ten congregations, discussed the subject with Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist speakers at a forum at St. Xavier’s School in Kathmandu on Tuesday. It was the first time Nepal’s Catholic community had discussed the sensitive topic publicly. Jesuit Father Jomon Jose, chief coordinator of the forum said he found the event very useful. “I hope the interaction will help remind Catholics, to contribute to the ongoing debate and put across their views,” he added.
Christians in Nepal have demanded the country´s new constitution, yet to be drafted, guarantee religious freedom in the Hindu-majority country. Muslim speaker Nazrul Hussein, President of the Nepal Islamic Society said “We minority religions must be very vigilant as they write the new constitution. It is clear most Hindus are comfortable with secularism but fundamentalists are not. They have tried to start interreligious riots by attacking mosques and churches,”he said.
Chintamani Yogi, Founder of Hindu Vidyapeth Schools said “It’s in the best interests for Nepal to follow a middle path with all religions retaining their identities and not offending others,” he warned. Venerable Dharma Murti, a Buddhist monk from Kathmandu’s Anand Kuti monastery, agreed. “Nepal becoming secular on paper would be pointless, if leaders continue to have a superiority complex and not serve the people,” he said.