‘PM’s message welcome, but action must follow’
Interview: Oswald Cardinal Gracias
Back from Rome, Archbishop of Mumbai says he was embarrassed when probed about attacks on churches in the capital. The govt’s indifference, he says, and their ‘chalta hai’ attitude is worrisome.
Back in Mumbai after attending a meet of Catholic cardinals in Rome, Archbishop of Mumbai Oswald Cardinal Gracias is deeply affected by the attacks on churches in the capital. Known to have spoken widely about the secular environment in India, he felt a tinge of embarrassment when representatives from US, Europe, Germany and elsewhere probed him about the attacks.
Catholics are upset about the church’s silence on the Delhi attacks…
I did speak against the attacks. I wanted to have a united voice of all churches. I was in Bangalore when the last attack occurred. We held a silent protest and conveyed we were affected. Else, it gives a wrong signal to people that they can get away with such things.
What’s the reason for the attacks?
I don’t want to say that everything is anti-religious. If the police can prove the motive was robbery, I would accept it. But that would be too much of a coincidence. If you see the pattern, it’s clear they wanted to make problems for Christians. The attacks indicated the community was targeted. It is worrisome to see the indifference of the government and their chalta hai attitude. I spoke to the archbishop of Delhi and he too was dissatisfied with how the matter was being handled.
Now that Narendra Modi has spoken up, do you think it’s too late?
I’m happy he has spoken up, but action should follow. These incidents only spoil the country’s image. I’ve just returned from Rome and people from every country asked about the churches in India. I’m not happy that our country is being looked at this way. I was surprised how everyone knew of the attacks and enquired about them.
Are you satisfied with Modi’s response?
As I said, I want action. Our religion teaches us forgiveness, but for once I want culprits to be booked. Only this will deter people from such attacks. The Delhi police are treating the issue like a small problem, but I hope they take it seriously now. These attacks cannot be tolerated.
What about ghar wapsi? BJP said only a strong anti-conversion law will stop conversions.
The Catholic church is against forced conversions. If anyone wants to convert, we have a rigorous two-year procedure so that the person understands the religion thoroughly. On the other hand, an anti-conversion law would be against human rights. It would simply become an instrument in the hands of people who want to create trouble.
Do you think community groups are dragging the AIB issue?
I don’t encourage people to make a big issue of anything. However, I cannot infringe on their right to go to court. We are talking about this issue at a time when the entire world is debating on what is offensive and what is not after the Charlie Hebdo attack. While we cannot draw comparisons, I do agree that there’s a limit to everything.
But the stand-up comedians have apologised…
Forgiveness is a Christian principle. Issues should not be dragged on, and if there’s a sincere apology, it is right to forgive.
Back from Rome, Archbishop of Mumbai says he was embarrassed when probed about attacks on churches in the capital. The govt’s indifference, he says, and their ‘chalta hai’ attitude is worrisome.
Back in Mumbai after attending a meet of Catholic cardinals in Rome, Archbishop of Mumbai Oswald Cardinal Gracias is deeply affected by the attacks on churches in the capital. Known to have spoken widely about the secular environment in India, he felt a tinge of embarrassment when representatives from US, Europe, Germany and elsewhere probed him about the attacks.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi finally broke his silence and said he would take stern action against any religious violence, but Cardinal Gracias wants to see action. He spoke to Mumbai Mirror at length on the attacks, conversions and the widely debated AIB controversy. Excerpts:
Catholics are upset about the church’s silence on the Delhi attacks…
I did speak against the attacks. I wanted to have a united voice of all churches. I was in Bangalore when the last attack occurred. We held a silent protest and conveyed we were affected. Else, it gives a wrong signal to people that they can get away with such things.
What’s the reason for the attacks?
I don’t want to say that everything is anti-religious. If the police can prove the motive was robbery, I would accept it. But that would be too much of a coincidence. If you see the pattern, it’s clear they wanted to make problems for Christians. The attacks indicated the community was targeted. It is worrisome to see the indifference of the government and their chalta hai attitude. I spoke to the archbishop of Delhi and he too was dissatisfied with how the matter was being handled.
Now that Narendra Modi has spoken up, do you think it’s too late?
I’m happy he has spoken up, but action should follow. These incidents only spoil the country’s image. I’ve just returned from Rome and people from every country asked about the churches in India. I’m not happy that our country is being looked at this way. I was surprised how everyone knew of the attacks and enquired about them.
Are you satisfied with Modi’s response?
As I said, I want action. Our religion teaches us forgiveness, but for once I want culprits to be booked. Only this will deter people from such attacks. The Delhi police are treating the issue like a small problem, but I hope they take it seriously now. These attacks cannot be tolerated.
What about ghar wapsi? BJP said only a strong anti-conversion law will stop conversions.
The Catholic church is against forced conversions. If anyone wants to convert, we have a rigorous two-year procedure so that the person understands the religion thoroughly. On the other hand, an anti-conversion law would be against human rights. It would simply become an instrument in the hands of people who want to create trouble.
Do you think community groups are dragging the AIB issue?
I don’t encourage people to make a big issue of anything. However, I cannot infringe on their right to go to court. We are talking about this issue at a time when the entire world is debating on what is offensive and what is not after the Charlie Hebdo attack. While we cannot draw comparisons, I do agree that there’s a limit to everything.
But the stand-up comedians have apologised…
Forgiveness is a Christian principle. Issues should not be dragged on, and if there’s a sincere apology, it is right to forgive.
