Indian PM Recognises Christianity as Part of National Life

October 20, 2008

Author: Anto Akkara

Source: Ekklesia

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/7801

Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh observed that "Christianity is part of our national heritage" when the Rev Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), called on him at his residence in New Delhi on 18 October 2008.

"We are extremely pleased to hear this assertion from the Indian prime minister," Kobia told a news conference after his meeting with the prime minister.

Prime minister Singh's comment is a rebuttal of the Hindu nationalist groups that describe Christianity as a "foreign religion" in justifying their campaign targeting the Christian community in India. Christians account for 2.32 percent of India's over one billion people.

In fact, Christianity in India is older than in the Christian strongholds of Europe and other Western countries.

According to tradition, the apostle Thomas reached Kerala on India's southwestern coast in the company of spice merchants from the Middle East in the year 52, laying the seeds of the vibrant Christian community in the "land of coconuts".

During the 30-minute audience granted to the WCC general secretary, Prime Minister Singh said the United Progressive Alliance coalition government he heads is committed "to restore normalcy" and curb attacks on Christians in the eastern Indian state of Orissa and other parts of the country.

When Kobia expressed his "deep concern" over the atrocities committed against Christians, especially in Orissa, Singh pointed out that the Indian constitution "guarantees freedom to practice and propagate one's faith" and assured Kobia that his government will take measures to restore the confidence of the Christian community.