By Jose Kavi
New Delhi, July 12, 2024: A Catholic delegation on July 12 met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to voice their concern over the increasing attacks on Christians in various parts of the country.
The four-member delegation led by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, also congratulated Modi for becoming the country’s prime minister for the third consecutive term. The delegation assured him of the Church’s support in nation-building efforts.
The third Modi government took charge on June 9 after his Bharatiya Janata Party emerged the largest single party in the latest general elections.
The delegation pointed out that the attacks on Christians are being carried out under false allegations of forced conversions and the misuse of anti-conversion laws.
The delegation also discussed issues regarding reservations for Dalits and tribals, and the violence in Manipur. The delegation appealed to the Prime Minister to accelerate the process of bringing Pope Francis to India
“The meeting was cordial,” says a statement issued by the conference spokesperson Father Robinson Rodrigues.
Asked about a papal visit to India, the prime minister told the Church leaders that he had invited the Pope when he was in the Vatican and it was up to the Holy See to decide.
Besides Archbishop Thazhath, the delegation comprised conference vice president Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas of Bathery, secretary general Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi and deputy secretary general Father Mathew Koyickal.
In a memorandum submitted to the prime minister, the delegation said, “We firmly hope that all the policies of your government will be implemented for the holistic and integral growth of the nation, especially for the benefit of the poor and the marginalized.”
The memorandum expressed delight over the prime minister’s recent meeting with Pope Francis where he invited the pontiff to India. “This gesture has been warmly received by all people of good will in our land, and we request your continued efforts to accelerate the process of bringing the Pope to India.”
The Indian prime minister met the Pope on June 14 in the Vatican on his way to attend the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in Apulia, southern Italy.
“Met Pope Francis on the sidelines of the @G7 Summit. I admire his commitment to serve people and make our planet better. Also invited him to visit India,” Modi said in a post on X.
The memorandum informed the premier about the long absence of the Christian presence in the National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.
It also expressed concern over the “undue challenges” faced by Christian NGOs during the renewal of their FCRA (Foreign Currency Regulation Act) registration. ”These organizations are deeply involved in social upliftment of society across the nation irrespective of caste or creed,” the memorandum asserted.