Bishop condemns attack on christians in Orissa

Mangalore, Aug 28 (UNI) Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangalore today denounced the recent attacks on Christians and nuns in various parts in Orissa.

Strongly condemning the murder of Fr Thomas Pandipalli in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh on August 16, the Bishop said that those attacked in the recent incidents were out to break the harmonious, service-oriented and peaceful co-existence of Christians with other community.

In a statement issued here he said "We want to convey the message that we are sharing the grief of those who have come under attack and also the bereaved persons." He said that to drive home this message, all the Christian educational institutions would not be functioning tomorrow. About 30,000 Christian educational institutions functioning all over India would down their shutters tomorrow.

On September seven, special prayer would be offered in churches and Christian institutions and it would be observed as a fasting day, he stated.

The attacks being unleashed by miscreants on the minority Christians in Kandamal and other districts of Orissa had made everyone grief-stricken, he said and requested the government to use its mite to ensure that peace prevails in all these regions.

UNI MA RS GM1544