wfn.org | NCC India Concerned About Tamil Nadu No Conversion Ordinance

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

National Council of Churches in India

http://www.nccindia.com

October 8, 2002

Press Release

National Churches concerned about Tamil Nadu Ordinance

The National Council of Churches in India records its strong protest 
against the Ordinance passed by the Tamil Nadu Government against religious 
conversion. The NCCI feels that the motive is very political rather than a 
reasoned response against any given situation or trend. If the recent 
Madurai conversions sent alarm bells ringing in the Government loud enough 
for the Government to respond, it was a false alarm because there has been 
no trend of mass conversions recently. The law will also make it difficult 
for the Churches in Tamil Nadu and religious NGOs working for social and 
economic justice and even for humanitarian relief. The Tamil Nadu 
Government cannot by any stretch of imagination prove conversion by force 
or coercion in the State. The State has been the bedrock of several 
religious movements and therefore has preached and practiced tolerance and 
co-existence for several centuries. The present Ordinance is not warranted 
by the social and religious conditions in the State and will not only be 
harmful while creating mistrust among religious communities, in its 
interpretation it has the potential of contravening constitutional rights 
and safeguards of conversion. Even a simple congregation of people for a 
religious meeting will attract the wrath of the Ordinance. The draconian 
Ordinance will also spell doom to several church workers who are already 
serving in various specialized areas of service in the State. The Ordinance 
will also support the hate campaign of the Sangh Parivar against religious 
minorities. An Ordinance as a political instrument is used only at times of 
emergencies. The local administration can investigate any alleged/forced 
conversion. The National Council of Churches in India appeals to the Tamil 
Nadu Government to repeal this Ordinance and work towards fostering more 
understanding and harmony in the nation. More particularly, let the State 
Government help the Dalits of Tamil Nadu to live in dignity and be allowed 
to enjoy their human rights which are denied to them in every day life.

H.G. Geevarghese Mar Coorilos
President, National Council of Churches in India

Rev. Dr. Ipe Joseph
General Secretary, National Council of Churches in India

Dr. K. Rajaratnam
Chairperson, National Issues,

National Council of Churches in India

October 8, 2002

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News letter : N C C India