Wednesday, October 29, 2008

INDIA: Religious leaders renew calls for end to Orissa violence


Attacks by Hindu extremists on minority Christians in the Orissa district of eastern India have entered their third month, amid renewed calls from religious leaders for an end to the cycle of violence that has claimed around 60 lives, left more than 18,000 injured and rendered 50,000 homeless.

"As followers of the One who taught 'blessed are the peacemakers,' Anglicans around the world decry the violence in Orissa and reiterate our passionate commitment to religious freedom and tolerance and to the principle that no one in this world should be persecuted because of their faith," Bishop C. Christopher Epting, the Presiding Bishop's deputy for ecumenical and interfaith relations, told ENS October 29.

Pope Benedict XVI, addressing pilgrims gathered October 26 in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, called on political and religious leaders to help end such acts of "cruel violence" against minority Christians in some parts of the world, especially in Iraq and India.

http://www.episcopal-life.org/81808_102039_ENG_HTM.htm

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