by Santosh Digal

According to an Australian institute, India is one of the “least peaceful” nations of the world, ranked 135th out of 153 countries. For Fr Felix Raj, the Church must play an active role in establishing peaceful and harmonious coexistence among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Calcutta (AsiaNews) – Education and young people can help stop the demolition of churches and mosques, the rape of Christian women and nuns, the killing of priests and the reconversion of Christian Dalits and Tribals, this according to Fr Felix Raj s.j. who spoke about a recent report released by the Australian Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) that places India among the “least peaceful” nations of the world. Out of 153 countries examined for the Global Peace Index 2011, India is ranked 135th. In addition to India, the report noted a rise in violence in North Africa and the Middle East as a result of the “Arab spring”.

“Rootedness of every believer in his or her religion, acceptance of the other and his or her religious beliefs and practices, and an ongoing dialogue between different religions [. . .] are the principles that will pave the way for a healthy atmosphere of respect, tolerance and acceptance of each other, of each religious tradition, and enable us to live together as Indians in peace and harmony,” said Fr Raj who is the principal of St Xavier’s College, in Kolkata (West Bengal).

Schools, colleges and other institutions can become temples of holistic learning through the study of all religions. Spiritual leaders can be invited to lecture and thus shape the hearts and minds of young people.

For Fr Raj, religious and spiritual leaders, academics and theologians must speak out against the dangers and consequences of Hindu fundamentalism.

“Politicians in my opinion are not capable of doing this job. All that they normally seek is power for power’ sake,” the Jesuit clergyman said. “The active role of the Church will definitely put to wheels of our country on the right track.”

Fr Jacob Kani, editor of the Indian Currents Weekly, agrees with Father Raj. “The country needs a thorough overhauling of its laws and law enforcement mechanisms. [. . .] Dialogue, not confrontation, should be the mantra of the government in dealing with the various sections of Indian society."

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