“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.