Asian bishops condemn terrorist attack on Buddhist temple

July 09, 2013

An official of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) said that Asia’s bishops “strongly condemn” the July 7 bomb attacks on one of the most revered Buddhist temples.

Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya in the eastern Indian state of Bihar; it marks the place where Buddhists believe that Buddha received enlightenment.

“The Asian Bishops strongly condemn the violence against Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya,” said Father Nithiya Sagayam, executive secretary of the FABC’s Office for Human Development. “They also condemn the mentality of division, discrimination, and communalism that breeds violence.”

“Every bishop in his diocese is called to work for peace, reconciliation, harmony, and social justice,” he added. “It is important that this work is carried out in different areas, in different dioceses, in many Asian nations. Asia is a continent that needs peace as a prerequisite for authentic human development, respectful of the dignity of every person.”

 

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Further information:

• Asian Bishops: conviction for violence against Buddha, more effort against divisions (Fides)
• Series of Explosions Rocks Buddhist Temple in India (New York Times)
• 2013 Bodh Gaya blasts (Wikipedia)