Joint Declaration on Orissa Violence

(09 Oct 08 - RV) In India, 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-run camps. A joint declaration was signed in New Delhi yesterday 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 Hindu nationalist parliamentary opposition. Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati says the government must do more to stop the violence, and others must also change their attitudes.