Outrage at ‘useless Christians’ comment

(Aug.25,2010) Christians in India’s southern Andhra Pradesh state have condemned remarks by a lawmaker, who reportedly said Christians are “useless” in Indian politics. “Those who read the Bible are unfit and useless for politics,”
V. Hanumantha Rao, a Congress party member in the upper house of parliament, reportedly said. “Christians must confine themselves to their homes and read the Bible. What do they know about politics?” he is also reported to have said. His comments were published on Monday in a widely circulated local newspaper “Sakshi,” which in Telugu means Witness.
The Andhra Pradesh Forum of Churches, APFC, an ecumenical forum, condemned Rao’s comments, calling them “undoubtedly anti-national, anti-constitutional, and anti-minority.” Congress party bosses need to take action against Rao, the forum said. “We are drafting a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi” and other party leaders, “demanding action in response to Rao’s public outburst,” said forum secretary Father Anthoniraj Thumma.
The APFC has also demanded Rao apologize to the nation and to the Christian community. Rao’s comments not only insults Christians but also national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who read the Bible, the statement said.