File photo of Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao
Days after Delhi Archbishop's statement on 'turbulent political atmosphere' in India, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman has written a letter to his parishioners about 'threat to Indian Constitution'.
In his letter, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao has said that Constitution was in danger and many people are living in an atmosphere of insecurity.
"Our Constitution is in danger, it's a reason why most of people live in insecurity. Having this concern in mind, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India has recently declared in its Plenary Assembly that the Church in India should diligently promote and stand by values like secularism, freedom of speech and freedom to practice one's religion enshrined in Indian Constitution," it read.
In a letter addressed to Christians, he said the constitution should be understood better as general elections are drawing closer.
"Particularly as general elections are fast approaching, we must strive to know our Constitution better and work harder to protect it," it said.
The archbishop also said that human rights are under attack and democracy appears to be in peril.
"In recent times we see a new trend emerging in our country, which demands uniformity in what and how we eat, dress, live and even worship; a kind of mono-culturalism. Humans rights are under attack and democracy appears to be in peril. The various minorities fear for their safety. In short, respect for law is frankly on the decline in this country."
The letter, issued in the beginning of Pastoral Year that lasts from June 1 to May 31, is addressed to Christians in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman.
The archbishop called for the participation of Catholics and Church communities in politics and social causes.
"Our parishes and small Christian communities ought to be immersed in this mission of the Church. They should be open to the problems of the world. This social concern should not only remain within the confines of the parish community but should reach out to the whole state and country at large," Ferrao said in the letter.
He said that it was advisable that the faithful play an active role in the political field.
They should, however, follow the dictates of their conscience while doing so and shun "sycophantic" politics, he added.
"They should thus strengthen democracy and, on the other hand, help to improve the functioning of the state administration," he said.
Notably, Delhi archbishop Anil Couto had last month stated in a letter that a "turbulent political atmosphere" posed a threat to India's democratic principles and secular fabric.
In his letter to all parish priests and religious institutions in Delhi archdiocese, Couto had also appealed to the followers of his faith to launch a "prayer campaign" ahead of the 2019 general elections.
