(MENAFN- NewsBytes)
Citing threat to secularism, Delhi Archbishop asks Christians to fast
22 May 2018
The Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto, sparked a controversy by releasing a circular asking Christians to offer prayers and observe a fast every Friday, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Couto referred to a 'turbulent political atmosphere' in his letter.
The letter dated May 8 was sent to all churches in the capital. However, it doesn't mention any candidate or party.
Circular asks Catholic community to pray before 2019 elections
Letter's contents
"We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and the secular fabric of our nation," read the letter.
"As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have new government, let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13," it adds.
An attached note was also circulated.
'Clouds have eclipsed truth,' reads attached note
Fact
"May the ethos of true democracy envelop our elections with dignity and flames of honest patriotism kindle our political leaders. This is our cry, Heavenly Father, in these troubled times as we see clouds eclipsing the light of truth, justice and freedom," the additional-note reads.
BJP, RSS leaders criticize Archbishop's letter
What they said
After the letter's contents were revealed in the media, the archbishop drew criticism, mainly from ruling BJP, for instigating people.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working towards breaking barriers of caste and religion.
"This is a direct attack by the church on Indian secularism and democracy," RSS leader Rakesh Sinha said.
Rajnath Singh says minorities are safe in India
Fact
"I have not seen the letter, but I want to say India is one of those countries where minorities are safe and no one is allowed to discriminate on the basis of caste and religion," Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.
Archbishop's defends letter, says he is just concerned
Their defence
Addressing the censure the letter received, the Archbishop said it didn't pertain to Modi government, and he was just concerned.
"In the last four years, so much has appeared in newspapers and media, with regard to eating habits of people, lynching incidents and also the four judges coming out in public. As a citizen of India, I am raising concerns," he told News18.
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