30,000 Christian educational institutes to be closed tomorrow

Mangalore, Aug 28 (UNI) As many as 30,000 Christian educational institutions all over India would not function tomorrow in protest against the murder of Fr Thomas Pandipalli in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh on August 16.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore today denounced the recent attacks on Christians and nuns in various parts of Orissa.

Strongly condemning the murder of Fr Pandipalli, the Bishop said the attack was aimed to break harmonious, service-oriented and peaceful co-existence of Christians with other community.

In a statement here, he said ''We are sharing the grief of those who have come under the attack.'' A special prayer would be offered in Churches on September 7, he said, adding, the day would also be observed as a fasting day.

He also urged the Orissa government to take necessary steps to stop attacks on Christians in the state.

UNI MA RS PD AS1844