Bishop of Eluru Diocese passes away
Staff Reporter
ELURU: Bishop of Eluru Diocese Most Rev. Mulagada John passed away while undergoing treatment in a corporate hospital in Vijayawada on Sunday. The 72-year-old Bishop was indisposed for quite some time. Although he breathed his last on Sunday noon, the church authorities officially declared his death late in the night after obtaining permission from the papacy in Vatican City.
Rev. John, hailing from Mariveedu village of Prathipadu in East Godavari district, was ordained priest on January 4, 1965 at Salur and consecrated as the Bishop of Eluru Diocese in 1977. He was the first Dalit to become a Bishop in the State. Rev. John was also the first Bishop of Eluru Diocese, covering West Godavari and Konaseema area in East Godavari district, after bifurcation from Vijayawada Diocese. He was credited with establishing a seminary at Janampet, a Dental College at Duggirala in West Godavari district during his period as the Bishop. Having lost his parents at an early age, Rev. John lent a helping hand to a host of orphans and street children.
The body was kept at the Bishop House at Xavier Nagar enabling the people to pay him respects. The visitors, who paid respects to the departed Bishop included Rocco from Italy, Carlos of Argentina, John Antony from Tamil Nadu—Superiors from the Order of Friars Minor-Capuchin (O.F.M.-Cap) and local MP Kavuri Sambhasiva Rao and P Mathew, president of Vigyana Nilayam, an institute of Philosophy and Theology which Rev. John established. The funeral will take place here on Tuesday.
All the schools and colleges run by the Catholic church and the other missionary institutes will remain closed on Tuesday. According to the church sources, Balthazar, Vicar General of the 8-member Bishop Council, has been entrusted with the arrangements for the funeral.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/08/18/stories/2009081851560300.htm
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
FR WINDEY expires
Indian Village Recon founder Fr Windey dead
Published Date: September 22, 2009
Church people and social workers in India are mourning the death of a Belgian Jesuit missioner, Fr Michael Anthony Windey, who used Gandhian methods to revolutionize village life in India.
Fr Windey, founder of the Village Reconstruction Organization (VRO), died on Sept. 20 at Heverle in Belgium, where he had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer since January, UCA News reports. He was 88.
Sabien Arnaut, Fr Windey’s niece, told UCA News from Belgium that her uncle’s last wish was to return to India, but doctors ruled it out, saying he would not survive a flight back.
“He was very weak and could barely walk. Though the doctors gave him only a few weeks to live, his sudden death was unexpected,” she said. His funeral is scheduled for Sept. 26 in Belgium.
Fr Windey was born in 1921, the fourth of 12 children. He joined the Jesuits in 1938, traveled to India in 1946 and was ordained a priest in 1950. Until 1969 he worked in Ranchi, eastern India, where he began social work in 1967 when a famine hit Bihar state.
He shifted to the southern state of Andhra Pradesh in 1969 to work among cyclone victims and later set up VRO, following Mahatma Gandhi’s call to reconstruct village life as the way to bring about India’s advancement.
Fr Windey “believed in the Gandhian way of developing villages, and understood the Indian ethos and culture,” said Fr Anthoniraj Thumma, secretary of the ecumenical Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches. “He was more Indian than Belgian, and we will miss him and his social service.”
According to Fr Peter Raj, a Jesuit from Andhra Pradesh and secretary to the Jesuit provincial of South Asia, Fr Windey succeeded in transforming village life.
“He made ordinary people self-reliant and dignified,” the priest told UCA News.
Fr Xavier Jeyaraj, secretary for the social department of the Jesuits’ South Asia region, noted that Father Windey developed contacts with people of all religions. “His simplicity, openness and friendly approach toward the poor was wonderful,” he said.
Nagender Swamy, a Hindu and secretary of the VRO governing body, eulogized the missioner as “a great proponent” of village development and renewal.
“His loss is difficult to replace, but his hard work has a tremendous future for village development,” he added.
Published Date: September 22, 2009
Church people and social workers in India are mourning the death of a Belgian Jesuit missioner, Fr Michael Anthony Windey, who used Gandhian methods to revolutionize village life in India.
Fr Windey, founder of the Village Reconstruction Organization (VRO), died on Sept. 20 at Heverle in Belgium, where he had been undergoing treatment for liver cancer since January, UCA News reports. He was 88.
Sabien Arnaut, Fr Windey’s niece, told UCA News from Belgium that her uncle’s last wish was to return to India, but doctors ruled it out, saying he would not survive a flight back.
“He was very weak and could barely walk. Though the doctors gave him only a few weeks to live, his sudden death was unexpected,” she said. His funeral is scheduled for Sept. 26 in Belgium.
Fr Windey was born in 1921, the fourth of 12 children. He joined the Jesuits in 1938, traveled to India in 1946 and was ordained a priest in 1950. Until 1969 he worked in Ranchi, eastern India, where he began social work in 1967 when a famine hit Bihar state.
He shifted to the southern state of Andhra Pradesh in 1969 to work among cyclone victims and later set up VRO, following Mahatma Gandhi’s call to reconstruct village life as the way to bring about India’s advancement.
Fr Windey “believed in the Gandhian way of developing villages, and understood the Indian ethos and culture,” said Fr Anthoniraj Thumma, secretary of the ecumenical Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches. “He was more Indian than Belgian, and we will miss him and his social service.”
According to Fr Peter Raj, a Jesuit from Andhra Pradesh and secretary to the Jesuit provincial of South Asia, Fr Windey succeeded in transforming village life.
“He made ordinary people self-reliant and dignified,” the priest told UCA News.
Fr Xavier Jeyaraj, secretary for the social department of the Jesuits’ South Asia region, noted that Father Windey developed contacts with people of all religions. “His simplicity, openness and friendly approach toward the poor was wonderful,” he said.
Nagender Swamy, a Hindu and secretary of the VRO governing body, eulogized the missioner as “a great proponent” of village development and renewal.
“His loss is difficult to replace, but his hard work has a tremendous future for village development,” he added.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
"Father Ferrer dies in Anantapur
Humanist ‘Father’ Ferrer dies; Andhra CM recalls ex-jesuit’s contribution to
Published : June 22 2009
HYDERABAD, Andhra Pradesh : A revered Spanish humanist and former Jesuit priest, Vicente Ferrer, who worked for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden in Andhra Pradesh, died at Anantapur district in the southern Indian state, June 19. He was 89.According his son, Moncho, who is currently at Anantapur, Ferrer died of kidney failure. However, the Associated Press, citing sources at the Rural Development Trust, a non-governmental organisation established by Ferrer in Andhra Pradesh, said he had been ill since suffering a blood clot in March last and died of cardio-respiratory failure.A spokesperson for the Vicente Ferrer Foundation told the media June 19 that the ex-Jesuit’s wife, children and members of the Foundation were at his side at the time of his death.Ferrer arrived in India over 50 years ago and worked relentlessly for the poor through his charitable organisations.In a condolence message to Moncho Ferrer, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, recalling Ferrer’s indefatigable and selfless service to society, said: ”Father Ferrer (as he is popularly known) is an icon of nobility, humility and truth who has put in 56 years of relentless work in India.”“Ferrer dedicated his life and worked for the poor, especially the Dalits (untouchables), tribals, the weaker sections, women and the disabled,” he added. “His contribution to the development of the people of Anantapur district, and partly Kurnool district, will be remembered for a long time to come.”Former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the death of Ferrer.More than two million people have benefited from Ferrer’s organisations in Anantapur, where he lived for nearly 40 years.Born in Barcelona in 1920, Ferrer took part in the Spanish Civil War and later abandoned law studies to become a Jesuit. He arrived in Mumbai in 1952 as a missionary and was expelled in 1968 by the Indian authorities who were suspicious of his charitable activities.Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in favour of his staying in India. In the following year, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi granted him a visa so that he could continue his work in poverty-stricken Andhra Pradesh. Ferrer established himself in Anantapur, where his Rural Development Trust and Vicente Ferrer Foundation have created homes for thousands of people, hundreds of schools, several hospitals and thousands of water wells."I never spoke to (the poor) about God. There were other priorities," Ferrer had once said, leading to his expulsion from the Society of Jesus later on.In 1970, Ferrer married British journalist Anna Perry, with whom he had three children. In 1998, Ferrer was awarded the top Spanish Prince of Asturias Prize for his humanitarian work. He was also proposed as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Courtesy : SAR News
Sources from: http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/12472-1-6-Humanist-‘Father’-Ferrer-dies;-Andhra-CM-recalls-ex-jesuit’s-contribution-to
Published : June 22 2009
HYDERABAD, Andhra Pradesh : A revered Spanish humanist and former Jesuit priest, Vicente Ferrer, who worked for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden in Andhra Pradesh, died at Anantapur district in the southern Indian state, June 19. He was 89.According his son, Moncho, who is currently at Anantapur, Ferrer died of kidney failure. However, the Associated Press, citing sources at the Rural Development Trust, a non-governmental organisation established by Ferrer in Andhra Pradesh, said he had been ill since suffering a blood clot in March last and died of cardio-respiratory failure.A spokesperson for the Vicente Ferrer Foundation told the media June 19 that the ex-Jesuit’s wife, children and members of the Foundation were at his side at the time of his death.Ferrer arrived in India over 50 years ago and worked relentlessly for the poor through his charitable organisations.In a condolence message to Moncho Ferrer, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, recalling Ferrer’s indefatigable and selfless service to society, said: ”Father Ferrer (as he is popularly known) is an icon of nobility, humility and truth who has put in 56 years of relentless work in India.”“Ferrer dedicated his life and worked for the poor, especially the Dalits (untouchables), tribals, the weaker sections, women and the disabled,” he added. “His contribution to the development of the people of Anantapur district, and partly Kurnool district, will be remembered for a long time to come.”Former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu also condoled the death of Ferrer.More than two million people have benefited from Ferrer’s organisations in Anantapur, where he lived for nearly 40 years.Born in Barcelona in 1920, Ferrer took part in the Spanish Civil War and later abandoned law studies to become a Jesuit. He arrived in Mumbai in 1952 as a missionary and was expelled in 1968 by the Indian authorities who were suspicious of his charitable activities.Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in favour of his staying in India. In the following year, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi granted him a visa so that he could continue his work in poverty-stricken Andhra Pradesh. Ferrer established himself in Anantapur, where his Rural Development Trust and Vicente Ferrer Foundation have created homes for thousands of people, hundreds of schools, several hospitals and thousands of water wells."I never spoke to (the poor) about God. There were other priorities," Ferrer had once said, leading to his expulsion from the Society of Jesus later on.In 1970, Ferrer married British journalist Anna Perry, with whom he had three children. In 1998, Ferrer was awarded the top Spanish Prince of Asturias Prize for his humanitarian work. He was also proposed as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Courtesy : SAR News
Sources from: http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/12472-1-6-Humanist-‘Father’-Ferrer-dies;-Andhra-CM-recalls-ex-jesuit’s-contribution-to
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Hyderabad Archbishop demands equal dignity for Dalit Christians
Hyderabad Archbishop demands equal dignity for Dalit Christians
Published : June 14 2009
Indian Catholic
HYDERABAD: First Dalit Bishop of India and the Hyderabad Archbishop, Rev.Dr. Marampudi Joji, in an audience granted to a leading online media, demanded that there should be equal rights in the country for both the Dalit Hindus and Dalit Christians. He said, “I am the first Dalit Bishop of India and I have a duty to ensure that most Dalit Christians can enjoy the same privileges on par with other Dalits.” To this end the bishop had led a delegation last week to the Chief Minister of Andhrapradesh, Mr. Y. S. R. Reddy, handing over a memorandum of demands. It was a 40 member delegation which demanded revoking the earlier presidential order of the 1950 that denied the converts from the Dalit community to Christianity and Islam the rights granted to other Dalits. “By restricting the benefits to a particular religion, the order has divided the entire Dalit community on the basis of religion,” said the bishop. According to the bishop the order is a complete violation of the rights granted by the Indian constitution, articles 15 and 25. The bishop further added,” “When the Holy See announced my appointment as the first Dalit archbishop, there were a lot of rumblings in society, but onlyChurch “treats us like a family, without discrimination of any kind.” He said that the issue for the Indian society has socio economic impact. Even after the conversions the condition of the Dalits socially and economically remain the same and that the change in religion does not mean change in caste.
Source: http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/12386-1-1-Hyderabad-Archbishop-demands-equal-dignity-for-Dalit-Christians
Published : June 14 2009
Indian Catholic
HYDERABAD: First Dalit Bishop of India and the Hyderabad Archbishop, Rev.Dr. Marampudi Joji, in an audience granted to a leading online media, demanded that there should be equal rights in the country for both the Dalit Hindus and Dalit Christians. He said, “I am the first Dalit Bishop of India and I have a duty to ensure that most Dalit Christians can enjoy the same privileges on par with other Dalits.” To this end the bishop had led a delegation last week to the Chief Minister of Andhrapradesh, Mr. Y. S. R. Reddy, handing over a memorandum of demands. It was a 40 member delegation which demanded revoking the earlier presidential order of the 1950 that denied the converts from the Dalit community to Christianity and Islam the rights granted to other Dalits. “By restricting the benefits to a particular religion, the order has divided the entire Dalit community on the basis of religion,” said the bishop. According to the bishop the order is a complete violation of the rights granted by the Indian constitution, articles 15 and 25. The bishop further added,” “When the Holy See announced my appointment as the first Dalit archbishop, there were a lot of rumblings in society, but onlyChurch “treats us like a family, without discrimination of any kind.” He said that the issue for the Indian society has socio economic impact. Even after the conversions the condition of the Dalits socially and economically remain the same and that the change in religion does not mean change in caste.
Source: http://www.indiancatholic.in/news/storydetails.php/12386-1-1-Hyderabad-Archbishop-demands-equal-dignity-for-Dalit-Christians
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Andhra CM tot ake up Dalit Christian issue with Centre
Andhra C.M. to take up Dalit Christian issue with Centre
ANDHRA PRADESH, June 09, 2009, 09.40 Hrs (Anthoniraj Thumma / CBCI News):
The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), the state-level body of the Bishops and Church Heads of all Denominations met Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on June 06, to felicitate him on assuming the second term and present a memorandum. There were about 40 delegates along with the Bishops led by Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad (the Executive Vice- President of APFC) who presented the memoranda of APFC to the Chief Minister and CSI Bishop G. Dyvasirvadam of Krishna-Godavari (the Co-President of APFC) who offered prayers for the success of C. M’s second term in office. The other Bishops and Church Heads present were Catholic Bishop Thumma Bala of Warangal, Methodist Bishop Manilal V. Kristie of Hyderabad, Rev. Dr. B. Sunil Bhanu, President of Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Rev. Dr. Ch. John, President of Central Union of Seventh Day Adventist Church. There were many priests and pastors and leaders of various Churches including the Pentecostal and Independent Churches. Some prominent members of the APFC Advisory Council and Action Committee were present. Among them Sri Stanley Babu IRTS (Retd) and Sri G. Alfred IPS (Retd) spelt out the issues presented in the memoranda.
Responding to the requests made by the Bishops and Christian leaders, the Chief Minister accepted to take up issue of SC status to the Dalit Christians with Central Government especially with the Union Ministers for Law and Justice and for Social Justice and Empowerment. He agreed to lead a state delegation of Church leaders to the Centre to persuade the Centre. Dr. K. Jeyasudha, newly elected MLA of Secunderabad, and Sri. D. Rajeshwer Rao MLC were also present.
With regard to the petition for allotment of government land for the construction for A.P. State Christian Finance Corporation and Christian Community Center available near James Street Railway Station at Secunderabad, the Chief Minister responded positively and asked the official to look into the matter. He also promised to take up the issue of allotment of lands for the Christian graveyards.
The other issues contained in the APFC Memorandum were: rectification of GOs 746 and 747 to prevent attacks on the evangelizers, extension of grant-in-aid and lifting of ban on filling up of the vacant posts, promotions and transfers in Christian Minority Schools, allocation of more funds to the A.P. State Christian Finance Corporation, and allotment of due share of the schemes under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme for the Minorities to the Christian Minority.
A Bill to stop the sale of Christian properties demanded by some individuals on other occasions was brought up towards the end of the meeting. The Chief Minister also expressed the need for the same as complaints regarding the matter still persist. The APFC and the Church leaders must themselves address this serious problem and come up with a mechanism to regulate the management of Church properties so that the State may not be asked to interfere in the internal matters of the Churches. Fr. Anthoniraj Thumma,Executive Secretary, APFC
Source: http://www.cbcisite.com/cbcinews2970.htm
ANDHRA PRADESH, June 09, 2009, 09.40 Hrs (Anthoniraj Thumma / CBCI News):
The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), the state-level body of the Bishops and Church Heads of all Denominations met Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on June 06, to felicitate him on assuming the second term and present a memorandum. There were about 40 delegates along with the Bishops led by Archbishop Marampudi Joji of Hyderabad (the Executive Vice- President of APFC) who presented the memoranda of APFC to the Chief Minister and CSI Bishop G. Dyvasirvadam of Krishna-Godavari (the Co-President of APFC) who offered prayers for the success of C. M’s second term in office. The other Bishops and Church Heads present were Catholic Bishop Thumma Bala of Warangal, Methodist Bishop Manilal V. Kristie of Hyderabad, Rev. Dr. B. Sunil Bhanu, President of Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Rev. Dr. Ch. John, President of Central Union of Seventh Day Adventist Church. There were many priests and pastors and leaders of various Churches including the Pentecostal and Independent Churches. Some prominent members of the APFC Advisory Council and Action Committee were present. Among them Sri Stanley Babu IRTS (Retd) and Sri G. Alfred IPS (Retd) spelt out the issues presented in the memoranda.
Responding to the requests made by the Bishops and Christian leaders, the Chief Minister accepted to take up issue of SC status to the Dalit Christians with Central Government especially with the Union Ministers for Law and Justice and for Social Justice and Empowerment. He agreed to lead a state delegation of Church leaders to the Centre to persuade the Centre. Dr. K. Jeyasudha, newly elected MLA of Secunderabad, and Sri. D. Rajeshwer Rao MLC were also present.
With regard to the petition for allotment of government land for the construction for A.P. State Christian Finance Corporation and Christian Community Center available near James Street Railway Station at Secunderabad, the Chief Minister responded positively and asked the official to look into the matter. He also promised to take up the issue of allotment of lands for the Christian graveyards.
The other issues contained in the APFC Memorandum were: rectification of GOs 746 and 747 to prevent attacks on the evangelizers, extension of grant-in-aid and lifting of ban on filling up of the vacant posts, promotions and transfers in Christian Minority Schools, allocation of more funds to the A.P. State Christian Finance Corporation, and allotment of due share of the schemes under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme for the Minorities to the Christian Minority.
A Bill to stop the sale of Christian properties demanded by some individuals on other occasions was brought up towards the end of the meeting. The Chief Minister also expressed the need for the same as complaints regarding the matter still persist. The APFC and the Church leaders must themselves address this serious problem and come up with a mechanism to regulate the management of Church properties so that the State may not be asked to interfere in the internal matters of the Churches. Fr. Anthoniraj Thumma,Executive Secretary, APFC
Source: http://www.cbcisite.com/cbcinews2970.htm
Friday, March 20, 2009
Memorandum To The Political Parties by Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches
Memorandum To The Political Parties By Andhra Pradesh Federation Of Churches
SECUNDERABAD, India, MAR. 20, 2009, 15.35 Hrs:
The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), which is a representative body of the Christian Minority in the State consisting of the Bishops and Heads of Churches and Denominations, places before you the following issues and demands of the Christian Minority requesting you to include them in the election manifesto of your Party and work for their realization: 1. At least one Assembly seat in each district and one Lok Saba seat in each region of the State must be given to the Christian Minority to contest in the ensuing elections. 2. Introduce an amendment bill in the Parliament to extend SC status to the Dalit Christians by getting the unconstitutional and discriminatory Para 3 of Constitution (Presidential) Order 19 of 1950 deleted. 3. Remove the ban on the propagation of Faiths imposed by Act No. 24 of 2007 promulgated on 13-08-2007 and the related G.O. Ms. No: 746 and G.O. Ms. No: 747 both dated 02-06-2007 issued by Revenue (Endowments III) Department in 20 temple towns in the State, as these G.Os jeopardize the fundamental rights of all Non-Hindu citizens and provoke many attacks on the pastors and Christians. 4. To stop the increasing attacks on the Christians in the State and also our visiting guests from abroad, the extremist communal groups like the Bajrang Dal and the groups behind the murders of pastors must be banned, and communal organisations be checked and brought to book whenever they commit atrocities or wage hate campaign. To curb continuing violence on the Minorities, “Prevention of Minorities Atrocities Act” may be enacted in line with the “Prevention of SC ST Atrocities Act, 1989”. Immediately arrest and prosecute through Special Courts, the culprits responsible for the present atrocities on Christians in various States. Set up a 24-Hour toll free Help Line to the Minorities to call the Police and other authorities. Institute a high level judicial Commission to inquire into the violence on Christians in Orissa, Karnataka, A.P. and other States to bring the culprits to the book. 5. As most of the Christians are backward, at least 25% of the welfare schemes, educational loans and scholarships, housing, land distribution, other developmental programmes under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme and state budget of the Minority Welfare Department be allocated to them. Adequate funds must be given to the “A.P. State Christian Minority Development and Finance Corporation” to ensure these benefits to the Christians. 6. Representations to the Christians be given in the various legislative and administrative bodies from the local to national levels, and in different Commissions / Boards, by way of election and / or nomination to bring about the political empowerment of the Christian Minority. 7. Allot lands for the construction of churches, community halls, education institutions and Christian burial grounds wherever the Christian communities request for them. 8. As directed by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), Church-run Educational Institutions be given Minority Status Certificates on a permanent basis without insisting on the percentage of intake of students, with a condition that no qualified Christian student is denied admission. An Act by name “A.P. Minority Educational Act” be enacted to avoid unnecessary harassment and difficulties in interpreting the Rules and Regulations applicable to Private Managements vis-à-vis the Minority Educational Institutions which have special status under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution. 9. Permission be given to the Church-run Educational Institutions to fill up vacant aided posts pending from 2003 and grant-in-aid be continued at least for the existing sanctioned posts without abolishing them at the retirement of the incumbents. Grant-in-aid be given to the Church-run Minority Educational Institutions through the Minority Welfare Department with funds drawn from various schemes / agencies like the Sarva Siksha Abiyan as it is being given to the Madarsas. 10. Exemption must be given from the payment of Property Tax and electricity tariffs on the churches buildings and the Church-run Educational and Welfare Institutions as they are charitable in nature. 11. Protect and retrieve the alienated Church properties by a special court / tribunal. Avoid interference in the management of Church properties and do not attempt to set up a Property Board to exercise control over them. The APFC urges your Party to uphold the national values of secularism, pluralism and communal harmony, to strive for social justice and equality of the marginalized groups, to ensure basic human rights of food, shelter, health, education and employment, and to promote the Minority Rights.
With best wishes to your Party in the ensuing elections,ANDHRA PRADESH FEDERATION OF CHURCHESSecunderabad – March 12, 2009.Fr Dr Anthoniraj ThummaExecutive Secretary, A.P. Federation of Churches
Source: http://www.cbcisite.com/cbcinews2753.htm
SECUNDERABAD, India, MAR. 20, 2009, 15.35 Hrs:
The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), which is a representative body of the Christian Minority in the State consisting of the Bishops and Heads of Churches and Denominations, places before you the following issues and demands of the Christian Minority requesting you to include them in the election manifesto of your Party and work for their realization: 1. At least one Assembly seat in each district and one Lok Saba seat in each region of the State must be given to the Christian Minority to contest in the ensuing elections. 2. Introduce an amendment bill in the Parliament to extend SC status to the Dalit Christians by getting the unconstitutional and discriminatory Para 3 of Constitution (Presidential) Order 19 of 1950 deleted. 3. Remove the ban on the propagation of Faiths imposed by Act No. 24 of 2007 promulgated on 13-08-2007 and the related G.O. Ms. No: 746 and G.O. Ms. No: 747 both dated 02-06-2007 issued by Revenue (Endowments III) Department in 20 temple towns in the State, as these G.Os jeopardize the fundamental rights of all Non-Hindu citizens and provoke many attacks on the pastors and Christians. 4. To stop the increasing attacks on the Christians in the State and also our visiting guests from abroad, the extremist communal groups like the Bajrang Dal and the groups behind the murders of pastors must be banned, and communal organisations be checked and brought to book whenever they commit atrocities or wage hate campaign. To curb continuing violence on the Minorities, “Prevention of Minorities Atrocities Act” may be enacted in line with the “Prevention of SC ST Atrocities Act, 1989”. Immediately arrest and prosecute through Special Courts, the culprits responsible for the present atrocities on Christians in various States. Set up a 24-Hour toll free Help Line to the Minorities to call the Police and other authorities. Institute a high level judicial Commission to inquire into the violence on Christians in Orissa, Karnataka, A.P. and other States to bring the culprits to the book. 5. As most of the Christians are backward, at least 25% of the welfare schemes, educational loans and scholarships, housing, land distribution, other developmental programmes under the Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme and state budget of the Minority Welfare Department be allocated to them. Adequate funds must be given to the “A.P. State Christian Minority Development and Finance Corporation” to ensure these benefits to the Christians. 6. Representations to the Christians be given in the various legislative and administrative bodies from the local to national levels, and in different Commissions / Boards, by way of election and / or nomination to bring about the political empowerment of the Christian Minority. 7. Allot lands for the construction of churches, community halls, education institutions and Christian burial grounds wherever the Christian communities request for them. 8. As directed by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI), Church-run Educational Institutions be given Minority Status Certificates on a permanent basis without insisting on the percentage of intake of students, with a condition that no qualified Christian student is denied admission. An Act by name “A.P. Minority Educational Act” be enacted to avoid unnecessary harassment and difficulties in interpreting the Rules and Regulations applicable to Private Managements vis-à-vis the Minority Educational Institutions which have special status under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution. 9. Permission be given to the Church-run Educational Institutions to fill up vacant aided posts pending from 2003 and grant-in-aid be continued at least for the existing sanctioned posts without abolishing them at the retirement of the incumbents. Grant-in-aid be given to the Church-run Minority Educational Institutions through the Minority Welfare Department with funds drawn from various schemes / agencies like the Sarva Siksha Abiyan as it is being given to the Madarsas. 10. Exemption must be given from the payment of Property Tax and electricity tariffs on the churches buildings and the Church-run Educational and Welfare Institutions as they are charitable in nature. 11. Protect and retrieve the alienated Church properties by a special court / tribunal. Avoid interference in the management of Church properties and do not attempt to set up a Property Board to exercise control over them. The APFC urges your Party to uphold the national values of secularism, pluralism and communal harmony, to strive for social justice and equality of the marginalized groups, to ensure basic human rights of food, shelter, health, education and employment, and to promote the Minority Rights.
With best wishes to your Party in the ensuing elections,ANDHRA PRADESH FEDERATION OF CHURCHESSecunderabad – March 12, 2009.Fr Dr Anthoniraj ThummaExecutive Secretary, A.P. Federation of Churches
Source: http://www.cbcisite.com/cbcinews2753.htm
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Bishop Gali Bali honoured with "Bharat Jyoti Awared"
Bp Dr Gali Bali Honoured With ‘Bharat Jyoti Award’
NEW DELHI, MAR. 17, 2009, 10.30 Hrs: (CBCI News)
Bp Dr Gali Bali, Chairman of the Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Catholic Bishops Conference of India, New Delhi, was honored with ‘Bharat Jyoti Award’ by India International Friendship Society, New Delhi, on 14 March 2009.
The award was given at a seminar on ‘Economic Growth and National Integration’ organized by the above society at Hotel Connaught, New Delhi, at 14. 30 hrs. Dr A. V. G. Krishnamurthy, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, was the Chief Guest on the occasion and Mr Vishwanarayan, the former Governor of Tamil Nadu and Assam, presided over the function. Both the dignitaries jointly performed the award-giving ceremony.
Dr Gali Bali was given the award for his personal accomplishments, life-time achievements, significant service in the field of religious and social service and for his outstanding contribution to the human society as well as to the Christian community. He is renowned for his visionary leadership in his religious, educational, medical and other areas of operations. Presently, he is Bishop of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Having secured doctorate on ‘Bible and Christian Theology’ from Rome, Italy, he has authored several books, articles and translations. He was Professor, and later Rector as well, at St John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, for 14 years. He has participated in and addressed various national and international conferences. He was the President of Jesu Khrist Jayanti–2000. He has held, and continues to hold, several responsible positions in the national and continental Departments and Commissions of the Catholic Church. In addition to his mother tongue Telugu, he has mastery over many languages like English, Latin, Italian, French, German, Greek and Hebrew.
He is endowed with noted personal qualities like simplicity, cordiality, friendliness and commitment to the cause. His attitude to people of other religious communities and social ideologies is admirably appreciative and open-minded. His approach to life is more practical than theoretical. He enjoys interacting with people of other communities and affiliations.
As Chairman of the National Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, CBCI, he is deeply committed to dialogue, interaction, learning, creative relations, collaboration and harmony with all communities, in view of national and social integration. ‘Universal brotherhood and peace beyond all human-made boundaries’ is his ultimate motto in life. He is tuned to a higher spirituality in which every human being celebrates divine experience in a shared manner, amidst a communion of spiritual traditions.
The Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, CBCI, along with the whole community of the Catholic Church, extends hearty congratulations to Bp Dr Gali Bali on the prestigious award he has obtained and wishes further heights in his life.
http://www.cbcisite.com/cbcinews2743.htm
NEW DELHI, MAR. 17, 2009, 10.30 Hrs: (CBCI News)
Bp Dr Gali Bali, Chairman of the Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Catholic Bishops Conference of India, New Delhi, was honored with ‘Bharat Jyoti Award’ by India International Friendship Society, New Delhi, on 14 March 2009.
The award was given at a seminar on ‘Economic Growth and National Integration’ organized by the above society at Hotel Connaught, New Delhi, at 14. 30 hrs. Dr A. V. G. Krishnamurthy, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, was the Chief Guest on the occasion and Mr Vishwanarayan, the former Governor of Tamil Nadu and Assam, presided over the function. Both the dignitaries jointly performed the award-giving ceremony.
Dr Gali Bali was given the award for his personal accomplishments, life-time achievements, significant service in the field of religious and social service and for his outstanding contribution to the human society as well as to the Christian community. He is renowned for his visionary leadership in his religious, educational, medical and other areas of operations. Presently, he is Bishop of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Having secured doctorate on ‘Bible and Christian Theology’ from Rome, Italy, he has authored several books, articles and translations. He was Professor, and later Rector as well, at St John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, for 14 years. He has participated in and addressed various national and international conferences. He was the President of Jesu Khrist Jayanti–2000. He has held, and continues to hold, several responsible positions in the national and continental Departments and Commissions of the Catholic Church. In addition to his mother tongue Telugu, he has mastery over many languages like English, Latin, Italian, French, German, Greek and Hebrew.
He is endowed with noted personal qualities like simplicity, cordiality, friendliness and commitment to the cause. His attitude to people of other religious communities and social ideologies is admirably appreciative and open-minded. His approach to life is more practical than theoretical. He enjoys interacting with people of other communities and affiliations.
As Chairman of the National Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, CBCI, he is deeply committed to dialogue, interaction, learning, creative relations, collaboration and harmony with all communities, in view of national and social integration. ‘Universal brotherhood and peace beyond all human-made boundaries’ is his ultimate motto in life. He is tuned to a higher spirituality in which every human being celebrates divine experience in a shared manner, amidst a communion of spiritual traditions.
The Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue, CBCI, along with the whole community of the Catholic Church, extends hearty congratulations to Bp Dr Gali Bali on the prestigious award he has obtained and wishes further heights in his life.
http://www.cbcisite.com/cbcinews2743.htm
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