Cardinal Gracias calls on Indians to fast and pray before election to save democracy

April 02,2014: As India’s general elections draw near, the Archdiocese of Bombay will be holding a day of fasting and prayer this week ,urging the faithful to pray for good leaders and
a good government, which can help the Church in its mission to serve the people and the whole country. The day of fasting and prayer will be held on Friday, 4^th April. Cardinal Oswald Gracias , Archbiashop of Bombay launched the initiative in a pastoral letter on Monday saying “General elections is an important moment for us, since the direction that our country takes depends largely on the leaders we elect to our parliament.” The prelate made it clear that the Catholic Church does not identify itself with any political party. But we have the responsibility as bishops, he said, to urge every eligible citizen to exercise his/her right and duty to vote, and do so prudently, carefully and judiciously.”
The first phase of the vote begins on April 7. India has more than 814 million registered voters. Noting that the gap between the rich and the poor is ever widening as society undergoes a profound transformation due to radical changes brought about by science and technology, and ethics losing primacy as the guiding principle for society, Cardinal Gracias said the Catholic Church earnestly hopes that the General Elections will give us leaders who understand the anxieties of the people and respond to their needs.
Source: AsiaNews