Indian bishops, Vatican call for calm as attacks on Christians flare

Published: 2008-08-26

NEW DELHI (CNS) -- Catholic education institutions across India will close Aug. 29 to protest the continuing violence against Christians that has left at least five people dead in India's eastern Orissa state. The church also will observe Sept. 7 as a day of prayer and fasting for Christians in Orissa, said the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India at a press conference in New Delhi Aug. 26. The Asian church news agency UCA News reported on the press conference. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil of Ernakulam-Angamaly, president of the conference, appealed to all Catholic groups to organize "peaceful rallies across the country to register strong protest against the repeated attacks" on Christians. Reports indicate no letup in the anti-Christian violence. Church officials told UCA News that at least five people have died in the attacks. They recounted how armed men ransacked and burned church properties in the state. The Vatican condemned the attacks Aug. 26 and expressed its solidarity with Catholics in Orissa. It urged everyone to recommit to dialogue and respect for one another.

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