CBCI expresses 'shock' at RSS chief's statement

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, OCT. 30. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) is apprehensive that the ongoing effort to build bridges of understanding between the Sangh Parivar and the Christian community might be affected by the RSS chief, Mr. K.S. Sudarshan's recent call for reinterpretation of Christian scriptures.

Expressing `shock and surprise' at the statement made by Mr. Sudarshan on Vijaydashmi in Nagpur where he asked Muslims and Christians to reinterpret their scriptures and change their leadership, the CBCI said this was tantamount to interfering with the affairs of the two communities.

The Church has also taken offense to Mr. Sudarshan's observation that the leadership of the two communities has remained in the hands of ``conflict-mongers''. The CBCI is of the view that such statements would only ``dampen the spirit of initial talks begun with the RSS to clear the already existing misunderstandings''.

Further, according to the CBCI, such statements will vitiate the atmosphere under which the dialogue is currently underway. Also, in the opinion of the CBCI secretary-general, Archbishop Oswald Gracias, these observations would only strengthen the hands of forces opposed to dialogue.

The CBCI has also expressed its apprehension over Mr. Sudarshan's reported call to RSS cadres to ``arm themselves against any threats''. Stating that the call sounded ``no different from the Taliban's call to arms'', Archbishop Gracias has noted that this goes against the very character of a democratic system where it is the Government's responsibility to look after the law and order situation in the country.

Reacting in a similar vein to Mr. Sudarshan's call to RSS cadres to arm themselves with licensed weapons to fight terrorism, the CPI(M) today described it as another form of intimidation and violence. Stating that the RSS was repeatedly proving to be an organisation inimical to national unity, the CPI(M) noted that ``obviously, the Home Minister who belongs to the RSS will not take any action against such inflammatory rhetoric''.

Equating Mr. Sudarshan's statement to those made by the Imam of Jama Masjid, the CPI said the call to acquire weapons was an open challenge to the rule of law and democracy in the country.

'Sudershan's words provocative'

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : 'Liberation' of Kasi, Mathura temples on the
           agenda: VHP
Next     : Breakthrough in stem cell transplantation of eye