The Indian Church supports Hazare, but is perplexed by his methods

(August 25, 2011) Anna Hazare’s hunger strike which began on the 16^th August continues in support of anti-corruption law, a battle that the Church supports, even if it is cautious and has some reservations about the means used by the activist, as claimed by Cardinal Oswald Gracias, President of the Indian Bishops Conference, and the Archbishop of Delhi Vincent Concessao. Speaking to Asia News, Cardinal Gracias, expressed the support of the Catholic Church but also called for flexibility in achieving the goal: "The Church of India prays for the health of Anna Hazare, Annaji is precious for the country and I earnestly pray to God for his health. I appeal to Annaji, that his health is important, his person is important and he has shown the government the desires and needs of the common people. Ending corruption is the urgent need of the hour and we must achieve this urgently and effectively". The cardinal continued: "Corruption is among the biggest problems of our country. Along with Archbishop Vincent Concesso we have strongly backed the anti Corruption and are strongly committed to seeking a way to eradicate and end Corruption and we support this movement till the end. As the CBCI President, I appeal to the Government and to Anna Hazare to be flexible for the good of the nation. Anna Hazare has compelled the Government to think about this Corruption seriously and urgently as this had been pending for far too long". The Archbishop of Delhi, Vincent M. Concessao, has taken a position supporting the battle of Hazare, but invoking the necessity to follow the democratic process: “Corruption is not only illegal it is also immoral, unjust and exploits the helplessness of people who are forced into bribing," he said.