India: Catholic leaders welcome new government in Karnataka

May 28, 2013

Catholic leaders in Karnataka, the southwestern Indian state that has seen widespread anti-Christian persecution, have welcomed the defeat of the Hindu extremist BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) in state elections.

“Today there is more confidence among the population,” said Father Faustine Lobo, a Karnataka priest who serves as national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. “The results of the vote in Karnataka are a warning to the BJP and for the entire nation: to foment social and religious unrest does not pay. As a Church, we have always promoted and will continue to promote an approach based on dialogue and harmony among different communities.”

 

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Further information:

• A new future for Christians in Karnataka (Fides)
• India: 2011 the worst year for persecution of Christians (CWN, 1/17/12)