Nirmala Carvalho

Reported to AsiaNews by Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC). In June and July there have been numerous attacks against the minority. In all cases the extremists are using the weapon of the "anti-conversion law" to threaten the faithful and Christian religious leaders.

The Mumbai diocese Human Life Committee headed by Msgr. Agnelo Gracias, organized a seminar to celebrate the canonization of Pope John Paul II. The testimony of a Catholic couple, for whom this theology "is an encouragement to live according to God's plan for the human body, which has a purpose and dignity".

For the principal at Holy Spirit School in Khandwa, tearing down the wall was an illegal act, done by the authorities "under pressures from Hindu nationalist forces". Because of the demolition, torrential rains flooded the school compound. The wall is at the centre of a legal dispute with the nearby Vatsala Vihar Housing Colony. So far, the courts have backed the school.

Fr Nithya OFM talks to AsiaNews about the 2014 Human Development Report. Based on the Index of Human Development, the studies ranks India 135th out of 187 countries. For the clergyman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's economic promises "mock the poor and the marginalised."

Archbishop Felix Anthony Machado of Vasai, met for the first time Swasti Shri Bhattaraka Charukeerti Swamiji, leader of the Jain institutions Digambaras tradition in Moodabidri. The city is a place of pilgrimage for Jains, but it is very much appreciated by the other religions because of its historical and architectural importance.

A group of Hindu fundamentalists, led by the local coordinator of the Bajrang Dal, interrupted a Bible studies session in Sehkari Nagar: they did not spare even the pastor’s young daughter. The attackers destroyed the cross on the church roof and hoisted the orange flag, symbol of Hindutva. Christian activist: "The state must do something."

Local Church reports attack to AsiaNews. The Archbishop, Msgr. Bernard Moras, expresses "deep sorrow for the inhumane act suffered by this young girl. This act is a shameful blot on the dignity of our women, society and the nation." Three men broke into the convent and raped the girl, who has been hospitalized.

The threat comes from the militants of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a radical Hindu organization close to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is the latest attack on a Christian community in the district of Bastar, a tribal majority.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the Archbishop of the city condemns the act of vandalism against the ancient statue of Jesus in the suburb of Vile Parle. "I ask the community to remain calm, because such actions must not destroy the harmony between people of different faiths."

An interview with Sister Marie Gemma OCD, Prioress of the monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in the Indian city. The meaning of contemplative religious life today. "Silence speaks louder than words, but only when it is lived in intimate union with this loving God, Jesus."

"Families will be the thrust of my ministry, to form Christian families," Mgr Theodore Mascarenhas SFX said. "The mission of the Church is always a challenge, irrespective of what government we have. It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel and we should go ahead proclaiming it, knowing that the power of God is greater than any human power."

Local council in Belar bans all non-Hindu religious activities. For GCIC President, India is a secular state and must ensure "respect for human rights," including freedom of worship. He also calls for an end to discriminatory rules in matters of faith.