Catholics and Hindus in India Call for End to Violence

(09 Oct 08 - RV) A joint declaration was signed in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday calling for an end to violence and the promotion of interfaith dialogue between Hindus and Christians.

The announcement came after a meeting between the Archbishops of New Delhi and Orissa and the leader of the country’s parliamentary opposition, which is a Hindu party.

Over a month of attacks in Orissa and elsewhere have killed an estimated 40 Christians, destroyed dozens of churches and homes, and forced thousands into government-owned camps.

Bishop Lucas Kerketta spoke with us about some of the damage done in his diocese of Sambalpur.