The National United Christian Forum met in New Delhi to discuss the matter. Participants issued a joint appeal for an austere Christmas in solidarity with the victims of violence in Manipur. Likewise, the various Churches plan to express their concerns ahead of next year’s general election as well as study the state of Christian education in the country.
New Delhi (AsiaNews) – Every day in India, on average two attacks are reported against Christians, the National United Christian Forum (NCUF) reported at its latest meeting, on 14 December, at the headquarters of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in New Delhi.
The NCUF includes Catholic bishops, the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), which brings together Protestant and Orthodox Churches, and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), made up of Pentecostal and Independent Churches.
The meeting discussed the ongoing conflict in Manipur. The NCUF held consultations on this matter to explore ways to reach out to victims and work with them for rehabilitation and medical care as well as reconciliation and peace between ethnic and religious groups.
“The NUCF also resolved to issue a public appeal to have austere Christmas celebrations in view of the Manipur crisis and to raise funds for the cause with money thus saved,” said Fr Anthoniraj Thumma, national secretary of the CBCI Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism, speaking to AsiaNews.
Against the background of ongoing violence against Christians, the meeting also discussed how to disseminate and implement a joint ecumenical document: "Christian witness in the multireligious world. Recommendations for conduct".
Along with the document’s dissemination in local languages, participants expressed the desire to establish a national interfaith forum to promote mutual relations and dispel prejudices and misunderstandings.
Regarding the upcoming general elections in 2024, the NUCF will urge Christians to actively take part as responsible and engaged citizens, by facilitating voter registration.
It was also proposed to organise national consultations to talk with political parties regarding the concerns, issues, and demands of the Christian community.
Lastly, the idea of a study on the state of Christian educational institutions in India was accepted, while an update was provided on initiatives to promote equality of status for Dalit Christians.