Church leaders decide to remain connected

(April 30, 2011) “Disunity would make us, Christians, more vulnerable to attacks. So let us remain united and connected always,” said Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore, speaking on Wednesday at a meeting of Christian leaders in Mangalore. Church leaders from various denominations in Karnataka vowed to unite against anti-Christian attacks in the southern state. Nearly 60 church leaders attended the meeting, organized by the Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (KUFHR), which was established in 2008. “We need not wait again for the pro-Hindu groups to attack. Rather let us positively remain connected and united always through different means and ways,” said Bishop Yakoob of Bramhavar Orthodox diocese. Pastor Walter Maben, president of Karnataka Mission Network, an association of 27 Pentecostal sects in the state, said that all Churches should compile an ecumenical directory for better knowledge and communication. “Till then, let us exchange the directories that we have of individual Churches,” he added. Pentecostal pastor Jodson urged Christians not to become over-emotional and over-reactive in times of attacks. Bishop D’Souza and Bishop Yakoob were elected KUFHR president and vice president respectively. Karnataka, which is ruled by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian people’s party), witnessed a number of anti-Christian attacks since 2008. Three charitable homes for children run by Christians were attacked this month.