Statement of Solidarity for the victims of persecution in Orissa, Karnataka and Kerala

To: Bishop Dhirendra Sahu
The General Secretary
The National Council of Churches in India
Christian Council Campus,
Civil lines, Post Bag 205,
Nagpur 440001
Maharashta,
INDIA

Dear Bishop Sahu,

The Council of Churches of Malaysia has been following the news about the religious violence against Christians which first began in Orissa and has now spread to other states like Karnataka and Kerala.

We are deeply saddened by the killings, the damage to churches and homes, and the displacement of hundreds of people, by the violence perpetuated by Hindu extremist groups.

We note that the central government and state authorities have not been able to stop the violence from spreading.

The church leaders in Malaysia strongly condemns the aggressive and indiscriminate acts of violence against Christians and we shall do everything possible to register with the Indian government our call for the government’s immediate and effective measure to contain the situation, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In this time, as thousands of Christians fear for their lives in the affected areas, our solidarity extends to them through our prayers and our firm commitment to stand with the NCCI and other ecumenical bodies in voicing our protest at such religious vigilantism supported by political groups advocating a Hindu fundamentalist ideology.

We have issued a call to our churches to remember the persecuted in India in their prayers, and to take offerings to help those in dire need in the affected areas.

Yours fraternally in Christ,

REV. DR. HERMEN SHASTRI
General Secretary

19th September 2008