Goa archbishop decries persecution of minorities in New Year message

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao of Goa and Daman, in his New Year message, expressed anguish over the growing insecurity among minority communities in India. He condemned the "unwarranted" attacks on Christians during Christmas celebrations, calling them a violation of the nation’s moral fabric and constitutional values.

Panaji: Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, said on Wednesday some communities are persecuted for celebrating their most cherished festivals, with the tacit approval of authorities, referring to “unwarranted” attacks on Christians during Christmas celebrations.

In a New Year message, he expressed deep anguish at the growing sense of insecurity being created in recent times among minority communities.

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He also said that some communities are persecuted for celebrating their most cherished and important festivals, often with the tacit approval of authorities.

“While greeting you, I cannot (help) but also express my deep anguish at the growing sense of insecurity being created, in recent times, among minority communities. The unwarranted attacks on Christians during the recent Christmas celebrations in several parts of our country are a painful testimony to this trend.

“Such incidents vitiate the moral fabric of our nation, which has traditionally been peace-loving and encouraging of its diverse cultures, religions, and traditions,” he added.

The Archbishop said that apart from causing pain to Christian communities, these occurrences are in blatant disregard for the sacred values India has always stood for.

“It is indeed a cause for grave concern that, even though the Constitution of India mandates free and fair expression of the practice of one’s religion, some communities are persecuted for celebrating their most cherished and important festivals, often with the tacit approval of the authorities.” Fr Ferrao said, “We appeal to the concerned authorities at all levels, to own their constitutional responsibility and moral accountability and to act decisively, and impartially, bringing the perpetrators to justice, thereby restoring the confidence of all citizens in the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of our great Nation.” He also urged fellow Indians to join hands to counter the divisive forces and uphold the unity of the nation.