By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Hyderabad: In view of the coming general elections, the Catholic Bishops urged for a leadership that understands and uphold the secular character of our nation and promote communal harmony and take care of minorities, Dalits and Tribals.
The Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops of India signed by Oswald Cardinal Gracias, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), says, “As Pastors of our people, we consider it our duty to address you through this Pastoral Letter, so that, joining hands with all people of good will, we can effectively contribute to shaping the future of our nation.”
Making it clear that the Catholic Church does not identify herself with any political party, but that they have a responsibility as bishops to urge every eligible citizen to exercise his/her right and duty to vote and do so prudently, carefully and judiciously.
Speaking on the present situation in the country, the Pastoral letter points out, “The trend towards privatization is beginning to dismantle existing public institutions in education, health and the social sector. Ethics is losing primacy as the guiding principle for society. God is slowly being pushed to the periphery. It is in this context and at this moment in history that we are going into the elections.”
The Catholic Church earnestly hopes that the General Elections will give us leaders who understand the anxieties of the people and respond to their needs. They charted out the characteristics of leaders as:
1) Uphold the secular character of our nation and promote communal harmony and a spirit of inter-religious dialogue and understanding.
2) Care for the minorities and weaker sections of society, protect their rights and work for their uplift.
3) Safeguard the rights of tribals over land, water and forests; and grant equal rights to dalit Christians, equal to those given to other dalits.
4) Work for an economy that seeks in particular to help the poor and the under privileged, protecting their dignity and enabling them to take their rightful place in nation building.
5) Improve the climate and conditions in our country, ensuring a totally safe environment for all people, particularly women and children.