Over 300 leading Indian industrialists bring Christian values to economy
(January 25, 2010) More than 300 business people attended the first international
meeting of Christian industrialists and professionals that concluded on Saturday,
January 23 in Mumbai. The two day meeting was organized by the International Christian
Chamber of Commerce and Dimension, a group of Christian professionals and managers
active in coordinating the various business realities of the Christian community in
India. "A new beginning is leading our community to face the challenges of today and
grow as an economic reality said Freddie Mendonca co-founder of Dimension. He added
that we Christians live a sheltered life protected by the Church, schools and parishes.
We work hard and we have an education, but we are not prepared to do business and
build relationships. Dimension he adds has created a platform between the various
Christian entrepreneurs to guide them to act according to human values, but also to
make them aware of their Christian identity." According to Mendonca, the Christian
community has a duty to act within the Indian economy to bring the principles of Christianity
to the business world. "Christ was not against wealth and the business world, he said.
But He did not admit an immoral or unethical use of money." He urges all employers
to use the teachings of Caritas in Veritate by Benedict XVI as a guide to operate
in a moral and ethical way in today’s world devoid of values. The meeting was also
attended by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai. "Today - said the cardinal
- relationships are very important. The press, internet and television tell us that
we need to be in contact with others to grow and participate in what is happening
in the world."