Syro-Malabar Church Responds to Controversial Claims by RSS-Affiliated Publication
The Syro-Malabar Church has issued a strong rebuttal to claims made by the Malayalam publication Kesari, which is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The publication recently reported on alleged religious conversions in Chhattisgarh, suggesting that these activities were exposed following the arrest of two nuns. The church’s response highlights concerns over communal harmony and the implications of such narratives in a diverse society.
Allegations of Falsehoods and Historical Distortions
In a Facebook post featuring the slogan “Stop Hindu Fascism,” the Syro-Malabar Church criticized Kesari for what it described as a “deliberate” attempt to sow division among communities. The church accused the publication of perpetuating falsehoods and historical inaccuracies, asserting that the article was crafted to incite distrust, particularly against Christians in India.
The church’s statement emphasized that Kesari serves as a mouthpiece for the RSS, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, and that its narratives often overlook the potential harm to communal harmony. “The recent article, steeped in falsehoods and historical distortions, appears deliberately crafted to incite division,” the church stated.
Concerns Over Secularism in India
The Syro-Malabar Church has raised alarms about the increasing restrictions on Christian gatherings, churches, and prayer meetings, suggesting that these actions threaten India’s secular fabric. “The growing restrictions on Christian gatherings, churches, and prayer meetings, not to mention the violence against pastors and lay believers, send a clear message to the world: India’s constitutional secularism is under siege,” the church asserted.
This sentiment echoes broader concerns among various religious minorities in India, who have reported rising intolerance and violence in recent years. The church’s statement reflects a growing anxiety that the rights of minority communities are being undermined in favor of a majoritarian narrative.
A Call for Equal Rights
In its response, the Syro-Malabar Church questioned the ethical grounds on which minority religious groups are denied the same freedoms enjoyed by the majority. “If Hindu spiritual leaders and gurus can freely propagate their teachings, establish temples, and receive foreign donations in Western countries, on what ethical or legal grounds can Christians or any other religious group be denied similar freedoms in India?” the church argued.
This call for equal rights resonates with ongoing debates about religious freedom in India, where the Constitution guarantees the right to practice any religion. However, the church’s statement suggests that these rights are increasingly being challenged, particularly for minority communities.
Background on the Kesari Article
The controversy stems from an article published by Kesari, which claimed that the church was attempting to undermine anti-conversion laws in 11 states across India. The publication suggested that the church’s actions were fostering enmity among different religious communities. It further argued that individuals who convert under the influence of missionaries become hostile toward their former religions and are viewed as traitors to the nation.
This narrative is not new; it reflects a long-standing tension between Hindu nationalist groups and religious minorities in India. The anti-conversion laws, which have been enacted in several states, are often justified by proponents as necessary to protect the cultural integrity of Hinduism. Critics, however, argue that these laws are used to suppress religious freedom and target minority communities.
Legal Challenges and Property Rights
In addition to addressing the claims made by Kesari, the Syro-Malabar Church has also been involved in legal battles concerning property rights. Recently, the church and the Kerala Catholic Bishop Council submitted a letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. The church claims that the Waqf Board has unlawfully claimed properties belonging to Christian families in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.
Archbishop Andrews Thazath, chairman of the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission, highlighted the plight of around 600 families from impoverished fishing communities who are facing displacement due to these claims. “Numerous properties that have belonged to Christian families for generations in the villages of Cherai and Munambam have been unlawfully claimed by the Waqf Board,” he stated.
This situation underscores the complexities of property rights in India, where religious and communal identities often intersect with legal frameworks. The church’s appeal to the JPC reflects a broader concern about the rights of minority communities in the face of legal and bureaucratic challenges.
Conclusion
The Syro-Malabar Church’s response to the claims made by Kesari highlights significant issues surrounding religious freedom, communal harmony, and the rights of minority communities in India. As tensions continue to rise, the church’s call for equal rights and its concerns about the erosion of secularism resonate with many who fear for the future of India’s pluralistic society. The ongoing dialogue around these issues will be crucial in shaping the nation’s commitment to its constitutional values and the protection of all its citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
