Kolkata: Christians from various denominations are expected to join a massive rally in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on Easter Sunday, April 4.
They will sing and praise the resurrection of Jesus while their leaders will explain the relevance of the Easter message in current times.
Heads of four major denomination have come together to organize this rally. This was planned last year as well, but could not be held because of the Covid situation that led to cancellation of all Easter celebrations.
The United Christians of Kolkata that will organize the program has the Church of North India (CNI), Catholic Church, Baptist Church and Assembly of God Church as members.
A letter has gone out to all churches and Christian organizations requesting pastors and the faithful to participate. The letter has been signed by CNI Bishop Paritosh Canning, Catholic Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta, Reverend Ivan Satyavrata, head of the Assembly of God Church; Sudip Biswas, head of the Bengal Baptist Union.
The rally will start from Bishop’s College at 4:30 pm and converge at the St James School ground where a thanksgiving service has been organized. Apart from the usual Easter prayers, the Church leaders will speak about the resurrection of Christ and its significance in today’s world. A special prayer for Kolkata will also be held.
“Easter is about new beginnings, about hope for a better world. This is what the resurrection of Jesus teaches us. Hence, we have organized this rally that will see all Christians praying together in these troubled times. We hope the resurrected Lord listens to our prayers,” said Bishop Canning.
Earlier, it had been planned that rallies will come from different directions and converge at the meeting ground. But this plan was changed. The churches have jointly approached the city police for permission and necessary assistance.
“In these difficult times, when each of us is ravaged by the onslaught of coronavirus, special prayers are needed and I am happy to be a part of the Easter rally. For Christians, this is a special time of prayers and a united front like this helps to build that unique bond,” said Father Dominic Gomes, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Kolkata.
Source: The Times of India
The report states, “The United Christians of Kolkata that will organize the program has the Church of North India (CNI), Catholic Church, Baptist Church and Assembly of God Church as members.” Why so many different churches when everyone has the same Book and same Savior. This coming together is only for this occasion only and then each one will go separate ways at the end of it? I believe that there nearly 30,000 denominations across the world. Has any attempt been made to bridge the gap that exists between denominations and make the faith a truly of one Book, one Savior and one people. Christians biggest enemy is themselves.
All these dramas happen in the name of Jesus!!
When there are atrocities happening against the marginalized communities, widespread corruption at all levels, human rights violations and never-ending rapes, Christian leaders rarely come out to the streets.
Easter rally in Kolkata has become an yearly ritual. Various denominations in Kolkata should come forward to build strategies that will address various needs of the poor and oppressed. An ecumenical voice will help to stand by those migrant workers who are struggling today due to joblessness and insecurity. Besides consistent dialogue among various denominations in taking up relevant issues of our time, I.e. when Bengal is passing through a very disturbed political fight. Who should occupy the seats of power and rule. Our sacred constitutional rights are under fire. Therefore how best we various denominations can safeguard those human rights and work for common good of the society. All the denominations should b able to stand together to voice those common agenda where our life can be peaceful and our common witness can only enforce the right spirit among all, especially the poor, the hungry, insecure and most deprived. Could we come out of our ritualistic Easter rally to more action oriented leadership in the Church in Bengal?
Moreover, we need to protect ourselves from the serious pandemic due to which life is not safe. The Belzeebul virus is still thriving across the world and in our own institutions I.e La Martineers school and St Lawrence’s according to the most recent report.
Francis Sunil Rosario
It is very surprising that when there is a restriction on mass gatherings, the bishops including the Archbishop of Calcutta have agreed to violate the norm and invite a public health crisis. The Bishops are mere mortals just like us. They do not have a magic wand. No Godman or woman or any spiritual guru anywhere in the world has been able to stave off Covid with all his / her spiritual prowess. Covid has spared none including heads of states, Pakistan PM Imran Khan and his wife being the latest casualties.
The Easter Rally is a sure recipe for ensuring the spread of Covid in Bengal. Why are the Bishops knowingly inviting Mass Health Crisis? How is the Government allowing it? May be it is Voter Khela (game of politics)?