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Hindu leader praises Catholic contribution to India
Published : November 24 2009
NEW DELHI : Federal opposition leader Lal Krishna Advani, the guest of honor at Delhi archdiocese’s golden jubilee celebrations, says he values Catholicism’s contribution to Indian society.
The Hindu nationalist leader, who opened the civic reception, said he was surprised to be invited to address the function.
Advani dismissed as “motivated propaganda” claims that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was against Christians and other religious minority groups. The BJP is widely seen as the political arm of rightwing Hindu groups responsible for anti-Christian violence in several parts of India.
The Catholic Church in India has carried out “commendable and extensive” service to society, he noted.
Advani said he had studied in a Catholic school and respects Christ’s message of peace, love and brotherhood. “I deeply value the contribution of our Christian brethren both to India’s freedom struggle and to India’s nation-building in the post-independence era,” he said.
The civic reception followed a Mass on Nov. 22 to mark the end of year-long jubilee celebrations. Representatives from various religions joined some 50,000 Catholics for the festivities.
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Full Story
Hindu leader praises Catholic contribution to India
Published : November 24 2009
NEW DELHI : Federal opposition leader Lal Krishna Advani, the guest of honor at Delhi archdiocese’s golden jubilee celebrations, says he values Catholicism’s contribution to Indian society.
The Hindu nationalist leader, who opened the civic reception, said he was surprised to be invited to address the function.
Advani dismissed as “motivated propaganda” claims that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was against Christians and other religious minority groups. The BJP is widely seen as the political arm of rightwing Hindu groups responsible for anti-Christian violence in several parts of India.
The Catholic Church in India has carried out “commendable and extensive” service to society, he noted.
Advani said he had studied in a Catholic school and respects Christ’s message of peace, love and brotherhood. “I deeply value the contribution of our Christian brethren both to India’s freedom struggle and to India’s nation-building in the post-independence era,” he said.
The civic reception followed a Mass on Nov. 22 to mark the end of year-long jubilee celebrations. Representatives from various religions joined some 50,000 Catholics for the festivities.
. . .
Full Story