Kochi: A prominent Catholic prelate from the United States has expressed concern over “persecution” of the Church across the world but applauded India for what he said was remarkable sense of harmony and friendship among religions.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, who is on a three-day visit to Kerala, southern India, said he has heard from the head of Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal George Alencherry, that India’s ancient Hindu culture is open to all religions.
“We are much worried about the persecution of Church around the world,” the cardinal said when asked about his views on Islamic State.
The cardinal arrived in Kochi on July 13 and met Cardinal George Alencherry, head of the Syro-Malabar Church and visited two major churches in the commercial capital of Kerala.
The American cardinal came to India on the invitation of Cardinal Baselios Mar Cleemis, head of the Syro-Malankara Church, to be the chief guest for the 63rd death anniversary of the Oriental Catholic rite’s founder Servant of God Geevarghese Mar Ivanios.
“What I hear…India is vast with a remarkable sense of harmony, friendship among religions. You have the ancient Hindu culture, which is really open to other religions. You have Islamic presence and of course you have Christian presence,” the American cardinal told reporters here.
Referring to incidents of attacks on churches in India, he said those who indulge in such violent acts are a “tiny tiny” section of extremists. “They do not represent the country,” he added.
Cardinal Dolan said he was told that there are incidents of “some harassment and some persecution” but the climate in India is one of amity, friendship and respect.
He also said there is freedom of religion in the US.
“We don’t have persecution,” he said, adding, the United States was built on the principle of freedom of religion.
Asked about his views on gay marriages, the New York archbishop said, “The Catholic Church in United States, we stay with the Bible.”