Vatican Cardinal Speaks for Orissa Christians

(August 28, 2008) In the wake of continuing violence in Orissa, a senior Vatican cardinal has called on the international community to put pressure on Indian Government to ensure and respect constitutional religious freedom. Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, made his remarks while addressing the Press. "One cannot but condemn all this," the cardinal told Il Corriere della Sera soon after the news of violence broke. At least 10 people are reported killed in the violence that continued for the fourth day on Wednesday. Armed men continue to ransack and torch churches, presbyteries, convents and Christian health-care centres and hostels. "It is a sin against God and against humanity. There is no possible justification for it. Certainly one cannot invoke religion to justify crimes of this kind." The Cardinal said that the main reason for the attack on Catholics" is their charitable work. He then added that "it cannot be denied that Catholics are being targeted by fanatics" and "this happens because we are building schools and orphanages." "We will respond to violence," the Vatican official continued. "We will do so with charity, by combating discrimination, educating children, by giving them a future." The Cardinal said he was “very proud of the Catholics in India, who are determined to remain and give testimony to the love of Christ for the poor, even at the price of their own life."