wfn.org | Catholic Bishops in India Condemn Mosque Demolition in Rajasthan

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Christians Condemn Mosque Demolition in Rajasthan

New Delhi; 1 August 2001

Christian leaders have expressed their shock and have strongly condemned
the demolition of yet another 16th century mosque in Asind, in the
Bhilwara district of Rajasthan on 27th July by a mob, as reported in the
major newspapers on 31 July and 1st August 2001.

"Demolition of a religious place, be it a mosque, temple, gurudwara or
church is not simply a matter of law and order. It touches and hurts the
religious sentiments of people and must be strongly condemned by all",
said Archbishop Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Agra and the Secretary
General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) today.

Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao of Delhi and the First Vice-President of
the CBCI, called on religious leaders of all religions to condemn such
actions saying, "Religious leaders should together condemn such
senseless mob actions, which is not a sign of civilized people. It is
high time that civil society becomes aware of the harm such actions
bring to a peaceful coexistence in the country and stands up to tackle
such religious fundamentalism".

The Deputy-Secretary General of the CBCI, Rev. Dr. Donald D'Souza has,
however, expressed satisfaction over the immediate steps taken by the
local administration to contain violence from spreading and for quickly
forming a Peace committee to deal with the problem. He has also called
on people to pray for peace in the area.

Issued by Rev. Dr. Dominic Emmanuel svd
Director of Communication/Information Bureau
Contact person: Dominic Emmanuel svd
e-mail: dominic1@vsnl.com
0091 11 3363214; 3369582