Indian archbishop urges peace on anniversary of anti-Christian violence

On the third anniversary of the outbreak of massive anti-Christian
violence in Orissa state, a local Catholic archbishop has appealed for
“peace and tranquility” and the defense of Christians’ rights.

“We
Christians want to live in peace in our land. Despite the suffering and
the tragedy of 2008, we harbor no hatred or revenge. We will remember
the victims of the past, we will entrust to God the present and the
future of Orissa,” Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar told
Fides news agency. 

“Over the past three years, a lot has happened
towards reconstruction and dialogue,” he said in an interview with Aid
to the Church in Need. “But there are people who are still afraid. 

There
is some progress towards peace and justice but there is still a lot
more to be done.”

He tells the faithful to remember two phrases of Jesus: “do not be afraid” and “love your enemies.”

The
situation on the ground appears to be uncertain, with police guarding
the main churches across the Orissa district of Kandhamal and reports
circulating of an upcoming rally by Hindu extremists.

More than
100 people died and 25,000 to 50,000 people fled for their lives in
August and September 2008. Over 170 churches and chapels were attacked. 

The incidents, among the worst anti-Christian violence in modern times,
were sparked by the Aug. 23, 2008 killing of political activist Swami
Laxmanananda Saraswati. 

There was also an outbreak of violence during
Christmas 2007 which caused 3,000 to leave their homes.

Archbishop
Barwa said things seem calm, but a number of local groups continue to
create problems.

They do so by interfering with the construction of
Christian homes and churches by blocking building supplies.

There are also “subtle forms of oppression and discrimination” against Christians.

“We
have got justice for what happened in Kandhamal but we are a little
discouraged. Lower-ranking officials disturb us but the higher-ranking
ones are trying their best,” the archbishop said. 

“Although good words
are spoken about the need for justice, they are not always manifested in
terms of action.”

Most of those displaced by the violence in 2007
and 2008 have now returned to the district, thanks in large part to the
construction of more than 3,700 homes. Over 4,000 homes will have been
built by the end of the year.

“My message is clear: we need peace
and tranquility – no more violence, no killing. The Christian faithful
have the right to be in Kandhamal. They are growing in faith,” said
Archbishop Barwa.

The archbishop succeeded Archbishop Rapahel Cheenath in February.

He thanked Aid to the Church in Need for its help in rebuilding churches damaged or destroyed by anti-Christian violence.

“We are all very grateful to those many people who have supported us with their help and their prayers,” he said.

Most
of the major parish churches in Kandhamal have been repaired or
rebuilt, but many of the smaller village churches and chapels have not.

 

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