Nirmala Carvalho

The encyclical Gaudium et Spes encourages the Church to dialogue with other religions . To combat the fundamentalism that afflicts India, it is necessary to be open with each other and share religious experiences. In national symposium dedicated to the Second Vatican Council and the social doctrine of the Church , bishops and priests have emphasized the role of the Indian Church in paving the way to dialogue. AsiaNews presents the third part of the results of the meeting .

Despite the presence of many female deities in the Hindu religion, women are victims of discrimination, abuse, rape, dowry-related murder, domestic violence and acid attacks. About 70 per cent of attacks occur in the family. At a national symposium dedicated to the Second Vatican Council and the social doctrine of the Church, participants reiterated the need for the emancipation of women in Indian society. Women must be active agents for change. AsiaNews presents the second part of the meeting's report.

Bishops, priests, religious and lay Catholics around the country take part in a national symposium on how the social doctrine of the Church is applied today. Examining some documents of the Second Vatican Council, participants identify five "critical" areas. AsiaNews presents the Symposium’s conclusions. Part One.

A report by the Ministry of Internal Affairs says that in the last three years there have been 222 episodes. The figure makes Karnataka the worst of the Southern States, and the fourth in whole country . President of the Global Council of Indian Christians ( GCIC ) : "At least 150 cases involving Christians. Police connivance grave". Most of the crime is concentrated in rural areas.

The Harmony Foundation presented the award to Sam Childers, an American Christian who has been fighting against slavery in Sudan and Uganda. "I admire her courage," he said. "I follow her example. Do not limit what you can do for God, and He will not limit what he will do for you!"

Passers-by found both children in Mumbai's Kalyan District and called the police. The girl, however, did not make it. "Such crimes are a disgrace to humanity," Mumbai auxiliary bishop said, adding, "The government must introduce strong pro-life measures."

When commuters saw the little unconscious body, they went to the rescue. Dubbed a "miracle baby", the little boy is now in stable condition at a local hospital. For Mumbai auxiliary bishop, "The culture of life prevailed over that of death. People who saved the little represent hope for all of us." In an appeal, he added, "If you cannot keep your kids, take them to the Sisters of Mother Teresa" who "will be happy to take care of them" in their hostels.

The Archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Bishops' Conference (CBCI ) , tells AsiaNews : "A meeting not to ask for special favors , but to discuss social justice for all ." Gandhi : "I appreciate the services rendered by the Catholic community to society."

The country's only Catholic church is set to host a three-day conference (15-17 October) to reflect on the issues raised by Benedict XVI. For an Indian priest, who was invited to the gathering, it is "a symbolic event" and a "beacon of hope for the troubled Middle East."

The president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) appeals to the state's chief minister, asking protection for minorities. Over the past four months, Hindu extremists have carried out 21 anti-Christian attacks. In the latest case, a Protestant clergyman suffered a heart attack after he was beaten by fundamentalists and arrested by police.

A court in Phulbani sentenced seven innocent Christians to life in prison, whilst acquitting yesterday five people up on arson charges. In both cases, there was no evidence against the defendants. For Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians, the Orissa pogroms are "sadly unique, for their violence and their total lack of justice."

For the International Day of the Girl Child (11th October), the Archdiocese of Mumbai launched a petition asking for enhanced security and protection of Indian women. "Parents need to be the first instruments of change," the city's auxiliary archbishop said, for they can "teach their children the value of dignity and equality" and the latter "will in turn spread them to the community."