Evangelical ‘conversions’ cause concern in Sri Lanka

(November 07, 2011) The Cardinal of Sri Lanka has urged the government avert possible conflicts between Buddhists and Christians by forming an inter-religious committee to decide whether to approve the activities of evangelical churches. “Some evangelical churches are offering financial inducements to Buddhists and Catholics to convert them,” Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo told politicians and journalists at a meeting at his residence on Friday. Church sources have noted that many evangelical churches similar to those in the US are springing up in and around Colombo, organizing public prayers, healing services and religious speeches. However, they are seen by many as actively trying to convert people, angering many in the Buddhist majority and among Catholics. Cardinal Ranjith suggested that an inter-religious committee could help prevent religious conflicts by monitoring the activities of evangelical churches and taking action. With such a committee, there would be no need for an anti-conversion bill pending in parliament, which many Christians, including Catholics oppose. Venerable Professor Kamburugamuwe Wajira Thero, chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University agreed with cardinal’s proposal for such a committee.