2006-08-22 15:14:27

“India’s unity in diversity should be a model to the world” says Indian Cardinal Telesphore Toppo


(22 Aug. 2006): - “India’s unity in a multi-religious and multi-cultural diversity and a vibrant democracy should be a model to the world,” declared Cardinal Telesphore Toppo , the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India at the CBCI’s Centre in New Delhi on Monday, Aug. 21. “India has been a major player in the Non Aligned Movement, and without any prejudice against any community, it should continue to carry along all the communities, in the face of a threat of a clash of civilization threatening world peace,” affirmed Cardinal Toppo. He made the remarks in his address to a group of Christian leaders which included some Members of Parliament. “While some sections of religious followers, try to manipulate religious sentiments in pursuit of dominance, as Christians we should make every effort to reconcile the warring communities and promote inter religious dialogue,” Cardinal Toppo added. “It is impossible to promote authentic inter religious dialogue without deeply imbibing in ourselves the Christian spirituality,” Cardinal Toppo insisted. “Love without frontiers and service with love, will help the Church to heal and unify the society under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Cardinal Toppo declared.
Archbishop Oswald Gracias of Agra and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), speaking about the recent move by some states, to enact more stringent anti-conversion laws, said, “States are encroaching into citizen’s private domain taking away their freedom of conscience.” Secretary General of CBCI- Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes of Gandhinagar felt, that while addressing some of the burning issues confronting the community, the Gospel values should be our guiding principles.









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