Nirmala Carvalho

The archbishop of Ranchi speaks about Madhya Pradesh's new anti-conversion law. He tells 'AsiaNews' that Indian Christians are law-abiding and won't be frightened by attempts to destroy their mission.

Informal six-party talks in Geneva between India, Australia, Brazil, Japan, the United States and the European Union led to nothing. Fr Prakash told AsiaNews: "As the pope says, it is the Church in industrialized nations that should speak out loud and clear for those who are exploited.

A pastoral letter was read out in all the churches of the state, calling on believers to protest against the new higher education act, which does not define Christians – 19% of the population – as a minority; this implies they must be subject to the state regime.

The state government is considering amending its Freedom of Religion law. Under the new rules, converts would have to apply to the authorities a month in advance. The Catholic Church and Christians are worried by rules that are ridiculous in a democratic state.

Together with 13 other bishops and the entire city, Mgr Penha, Archdiocescan Administrator of Mumbai, stood in silent prayer to commemorate the victims of the 11 July attacks. The bishops called for understanding and peace.

France bestowed the honour on April 18 and confers it today, Bastille Day. Bishops' Conference of India expresses joy and pride for the international recognition.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke to the nation in a live address broadcast on all TV channels in which he praised national unity and challenged the terrorists. India's Foreign Ministry urges Pakistan to cooperate in the struggle against terrorism without preconditions.

The diocesan administrator, Mgr Bosco Penha, told AsiaNews about the solidarity of the church. The bishops' conference and lay associations of the diocese and the rest of the country have heaped condemnation on the attack.

Guided tours are no longer allowed inside the Bom Jesus Basilica, final resting place of St Francis Xavier's mortal remains. The decision was taken because silent worship had become impossible.

Italy's fans from Italy, India, and the Philippines take to the streets singing and dancing to celebrate its victory over France in spite of Hindu extremists who terrorised people during the day.

All India Catholic Union chairman writes to National Commission for Minorities and the central government asking for a constitutional review of state laws and for an end to the Hindu fundamentalist persecution.

The four nuns who were held up by an extremist mob for their alleged proselytising forgive their aggressors and do not press charges. The bishop of Hyderabad talks to AsiaNews about Hindu fundamentalists' plan against Christians in Andhra Pradesh.