The Church's Scandals Are Having Serious Repercussions on Christians in India
By Fabio Marchese Ragona
Interview with Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo on the faith situation in India: "I can see and feel churches getting emptier. It is vital therefore for us to stay united and close the Pope" "Whoever does a thing like this is not a real Christian. Here in India we were really sad to hear about the letters." The comment was made by 72 year old Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, in North-Eastern India, who spoke with a steady voice and a tone that sounded almost reproachful. According to the latest report published by the Catholic Secular Forum, 2141 Christians suffered violence, persecution and discrimination in India, in 2011. The cardinal came to Rome to take part in the consistory called by Pope Benedict XVI. He said this was a great moment of celebration with the Holy Father and the 22 newly created cardinals, but at the same time, it is a moment to reflect on the events going on in the Roman Curia. So, Eminence, the news about the Secretariat of State's leaked letters has reached India as well? Yes, the news reached us very quickly and we were greatly saddened by it. Whoever is responsible for this does not lead a true Christian life. Did cardinals in the consistory talk about it at all? Many of the older cardinals spoke about it and said on a number of occasions: "We stand by the Pope." But it is not just a matter of talking about unity. It also needs to be put into practice. Otherwise what is the point in us being created cardinals? Certainly in order to stand by the Pope and help him in the administration of the universal church. The latest report published by the Catholic Secular Forum on the persecution of Christians shows very clearly that numbers are going up each year... This is true unfortunately but one should not generalise. India is a big Country, it has a number of regions and Christians are only being persecuted in some of them. There are some unusual situations in which Hindu fundamentalists take advantage of this to attack the Church. And I am very concerned about this. Is there a problem of religious freedom? Not exactly; despite the drama of the persecutions, we must look at the "bright" side of things. It is true that as Christians we are being persecuted, but there is more freedom in India compared to other Countries. Take the Countries where our Muslim brothers are the majority, for example, there there is no freedom whatsoever. In India on the other hand, the Constitution is very clear on the fact that Christians can profess, practice and preach their faith. But there are still plenty of fundamentalists around! What is India doing to contain the problem? We need your help, economic as well. We on the other hand need to find a practical solution and continue to evangelize, following the rules of the constitution; Italy has helped us a great deal in developing our church. But now, with the international crisis and the recession, everything seems to have been put on the back burner. But we are still in need of help and especially of prayers. You need prayers because Christians are going through a crisis there? We have inherited faith thanks to missionaries from your continent, Europe. But today, Indian Christians are facing a crisis as a result of the scandals in the Vatican. And churches are getting emptier and emptier. The same thing is happening across Europe. I can see and feel churches getting emptier. It is vital therefore for us to pray and especially to stay united in Christ and close the Pope! Perhaps a visit by Benedict XVI would help Indians rediscover their faith! It would be wonderful to have the Pope in India. During our "ad limina" visit last year, we invited him to the Country. He seemed very positive and interested. But obviously getting to India is no easy task. It will all depend on his health!
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