Vote without fail: Bishop of Mysore

MYSORE: Bishop of Mysore, Most Rev Thomas Antony Vazhapilly, on Tuesday condemned the act of a group which is allegedly appealing to Christians not to vote in the parliamentary elections.
Diocese PRO and St Philomena's Church parish priest Rev K A Williams said that the bishop's house office has received an information that a group of people within the community was demoralizing the community members by circulating handbills, asking them not to take part in voting.The bishop has appealed to the community members not to heed such rumours.
Williams told Times Of India that the bishop's house received an information about it, and, as a precaution, the bishop has clarified and asked all the community members to actively take part in the election without fail.
Catholic Bishops' Conference of India has issued a circular to all Dioceses in India, asking its members to take part in democracy.
This apart, the Mysore bishop's recommendation to churches and Christian institutions in the diocese to convene special prayers for peaceful process of elections received a good response. Prayers were conducted in March and April at St Philomena's Church and also a fasting prayer was observed for the cause in early April.
April 17 is a special day for Christians celebrating Maundy Thursday. The bishop of Mysore has requested Christians to cast their votes before noon so that they can take part in religious celebrations, according to Williams.