New Delhi, May 18: The archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto, has claimed that a “turbulent political atmosphere” in the country posed a threat to India’s constitutional principles and secular fabric, and appealed to followers of his faith for a “prayer campaign”.
Couto had written a letter to all parish priests and religious institutions in the Delhi archdiocese a few days before the May 12 Karnataka elections.
The archbishop, in his letter, said, “We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere, which poses threat to democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation.”
Reacting to the letter today, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed that India does not discriminate against anybody on the basis of religion or sect, and such things will never be allowed in the country.
Referring to the 2019 General Elections, Couto asked for a “prayer campaign” for the country from May 13, marking the anniversary of the apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima.
“It is our hallowed practice to pray for our country and its political leaders all the time, but all the more when we approach the General Elections.
“As we look forward towards 2019, when we will have a new government, let us begin a Prayer Campaign for our country from May 13, which marks the anniversary of the Apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima…” the letter read.
It also asked for organising an eucharistic adoration every Friday in all parishes and religious institutions, specifically to pray for the nation.
The prayer format states: “May the ethos of true democracy envelop our elections with dignity and the flames of honest patriotism enkindle our political leaders.”
It also aims to “protect” legislatures as place of discerning minds, raising judiciary as the hallmark of integrity, prudence and justice and keeping print, visual and social media as the channels of truth for edifying discourses.
No discrimination against anyone on basis of religion: Rajnath
New Delhi, May 22 : India does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion or sect, and such things are not allowed in the country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.
His comments came in the wake of the Archbishop of Delhi referring to a “turbulent political atmosphere” in the country and appealing to launch a prayer campaign ahead of the 2019 general elections.
“India is such a country where there is no discrimination against anyone on the basis of religion or sect or any other such things. Such a thing cannot be allowed,” Singh said on the sidelines of a function here.
In a letter written to all parish priests in the capital, the Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto, asked for a prayer campaign to be launched and also appealed for fasting on Fridays ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Citing the “turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation”, the letter says, “It is our hallowed practice to pray for our country and its political leaders all the time but all the more so when we approach the general elections.”
“As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have a new government let us begin a prayer campaign for our country,” states the letter.
