We have always defended the dignity of women: Indian bishops

January 15, 2013: "We have always defended and will defend the dignity of women, respect for the sacredness of human life, said Fr. Dominic D'Abreo, spokesman for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India, in an inteverview to news agency Fides. He said that ‘the challenge today is that of education, which must be imparted to children and young people, centering it on the respect for the life of every human being. We will always be on the side of those who are deprived of their dignity."
Fr. D'Abreo further said ‘after yet another incident of rape in Punjab, we are very sad. We are all children of God, and such incidents should not happen because every person is worthy of respect". "The whole country, institutions, religious communities etc. are working and must continue their efforts to ensure the rights and dignity of every person. The phenomenon of rapes has to be monitored, and the country is becoming aware and is making efforts."
"The Church in India, said Fr D'Abreo, speaks in favor of the oppressed and encourages everyone to make greater efforts to combat the phenomenon of rape and build a better society. In this sense, the 'Day of justice for gender equality', which will be held on January 27 in Mumbai, will be a sign for the whole country. It will be a very important moment to offer a light to the nation and encourage all people to follow this light." In the debate on a new law that punishes rape, concludes Fr. D'Abreo, "we do not ask for death penalty, because we believe that life is always sacred. Instead, we ask that anyone who commits a heinous crime such as rape is punished severely, to say to all of society how serious the crime is, and for prevention policies to be initiated."