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Archbishop promises Christians will be non-violent

Archbishop of Delhi Alan de Lastic has said that Christians in the country would never resort to revenge, but pursue all democratic means to fight the injustices in the country.

Reacting to the attacks on the Christian community in various parts of the country, the archbishop in an interview with a private channel however expressed his disappointment with the slow pace of action on the part of the Centre to normalise law and order situation in the country. He said Christians did not want to take the issue outside the country and as Indians, they would like to find remedies within.

He said he would want the central and state governments to act fast and prevent recurrence of violence not only against Christians but also against any religion or sect. He had met prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani who had promised that they had issued the sttates 'strong instructions' to deal with the situation. Though it would be 'unfair' to say that nothing had been done, there was hardly any effect. The implementation of promises is very slow. I am disappointed with the government's inactivity to bring about the law and order speedily, he added.

Asked about the chances of militant uprising by the Christian community against the attacks, the archbishop said, "I don't think we will ever be provoked into any militant uprising. We will have peaceful ways like demonstrations, protests."

About funds received from outside, Archbishop Alan de Lastic said it would be difficult for him to answer on behalf of the whole Christian community. But the home minister had raised the issue on more than one occasion. He dared the home minister to reveal details of funds received by not only the Christians but also the Sangh Parivar. The home ministry had statistics and he had no objection if the accounts were published, he added.

He said his community would pray for the strength to work for the poor in rural areas. ''India needs our services. Many of our people are illiterate poor and deprived. We love our country by showing concern and love for others,'' he remarked.

He said the large share of money received was spend on Indian people -- non-Christians and non-Catholics. ''Let them prove this allegation'' was his comment about the allegations that foreign funds were used for conversions.

''Let them monitor the use of money by all, including Christians,'' he said.

The conversions were a free personal act in which a person reformed his life turning from sin towards god. It was an internal spiritual transformation.

The archbishop said religions coexisted in the past. India was known for its tolerance, which - made it the only country that housed so many religions. It was a major achievement of the Indian people. The Constitution guaranteed opportunities for all religions to grow, flourish and propagate.

About Congress president Sonia Gandhi emerging as a potential candidate for prime ministership, the archbishop said she was a leader of a political party and wielded no power. He also did not think that she would take that post (prime ministership). ''I may be wrong. That is left to her. She is an Indian citizen by right and by choice,'' he said.

To a question on dialogue between the leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, he said there was room for dialogue - on condition that the atrocities stop.

UNI

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