Now Goa Archbishop says Constitution is in danger, people living in fear

"In recent times, we see a new trend emerging in our country, which demands uniformity in what and how we eat, dress, live and even worship: a kind of mono-culturalism. Human rights are under attack and democracy appears to be in peril," it added.

Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao. PIC/ANI.

Panaji (Goa): At a time when the BJP is its trying to ameliorate its image of being a secular party, a Christian priest has  issued a letter to his community members saying the Constitution is in danger and most Indians are living in fear and insecurity. Archbishop of Goa and Daman Father Filipe Neri Ferrao has called upon the people to strive to know the  Constitution and to protect it with values like secularism, freedom of speech and freedom to practice one's religion. According to news agency ANI, the letter, issued in the beginning of Pastoral Year (June 1 to May 31), is addressed to Christians in the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. "Today, our Constitution is in danger (and that is) the reason why most of the people are living in insecurity. In this context, particularly as the general elections are fast approaching, we must strive to know our constitution better and work harder to protect it," the letter read. "In recent times, we see a new trend emerging in our country, which demands uniformity in what and how we eat, dress, live and even worship: a kind of mono-culturalism. Human rights are under attack and democracy appears to be in peril," it added. "The first victim of development is the poor person. It is easier to trample upon the rights of the poor because those who will raise their voice for them are very few," the letter further read. The Archbishop has also called for the participation of Catholics and Church communities in politics and social causes. "Our parishes and small Christian communities ought to be immersed in this mission of the Church. They should be open to the problems of the world. This social concern should not only remain within the confines of the parish community but should reach out to the whole state and country at large," Ferrao said in the letter. Archbishop Ferrao's letter comes roughly two weeks after Delhi's Archbishop Anil Couto kicked up a storm with his remark that a "turbulent political atmosphere" posed a threat to India's democratic principles and secular fabric. He called for a "prayer campaign" ahead of the 2019 general elections. BJP chief had then said it was "not appropriate" to polarise people around religion. Following the row, Catholic Bishops' Conference of India president Cardinal Oswald Gracias met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with him various issues concerning the Christians in the country. The saffron has been facing the wrath of opposition parties for being insensitive towards Dalits and minorities against whom a number of attacks are launched upon by high caste men especially in rural parts of the country. (With agency inputs)