2011-11-23 16:02:47

India's Bishops urge vigilance against corruption


(Nov. 23, 2011)In India, a regional bishops’ council has joined civil society groups in identifying corruption as an immediate challenge for the Church. Jesuit Fr. Cedric Prakash, who presided over a recent meeting of the Agra Regional Bishops’ Council and other groups, said opposition to corruption was fundamental to faith. “If one is a true disciple of Jesus, one cannot but be against the very notion of corruption. Christian discipleship necessitates honesty, accountability and transparency,” he said. He further urged participants to oppose corruption through the ballet box by electing honest politicians. “Corruption is not only about taking money but also about our attitude of indifference towards corruption,” Fr Prakash added. Bishop Oswald Lewis of Jaipur diocese in Rajasthan said that just as corruption remains a challenge for society at large, the issue also affects the Church. “Corruption in society is rampant and Church personnel, being part of the society, are also involved in corrupt practices,” he said, though refusing to identify specific instances of corruption within the Church. Bishop Raphy Manjaly of Varanasi diocese told the gathering that individuals inside or outside the Church, should make sure “their own house is in order” while also working to eradicate corruption in society.








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