In a powerful New Year's Eve message, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, voiced profound distress over a series of attacks targeting Christian communities during recent Christmas celebrations across India. He stated that such acts of violence severely damage the nation's moral foundation.
Archbishop's Grave Concern Over Growing Insecurity
The Archbishop, in his customary address, highlighted a growing sense of insecurity among minority communities as a major concern. He pointed specifically to the unwarranted attacks on Christians during the festive season as clear evidence of this troubling pattern. Cardinal Ferrao described these incidents as a painful testimony to a decline in communal harmony.
He emphasized that these actions not only inflict deep pain on Christian congregations but also represent a blatant violation of the sacred principles India has historically championed. The Archbishop stressed that India's tradition has always been one of peace, actively encouraging a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions.
Constitutional Mandate and Tacit Approval
Cardinal Ferrao raised a critical issue, noting it is a cause for grave concern that despite the Indian Constitution guaranteeing the free and fair practice of religion, certain communities face persecution for observing their most important festivals. He alarmingly suggested this persecution often occurs with the tacit approval of the authorities, implying a failure in governance and protection.
A Call for Action and Unity in 2026
Looking ahead to the year 2026, the Archbishop made a direct appeal. He urged concerned authorities at every level to own their constitutional responsibility and moral accountability. He called for decisive and impartial action to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice. This, he believes, is essential to restore all citizens' faith in the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.
Furthermore, Cardinal Ferrao appealed to the vast majority of Indians who stand for harmony, justice, and mutual respect. He encouraged them to unite and counter divisive forces that threaten national unity. This call for collective action echoes his earlier sentiments from a 2022 letter to parishes, where he warned about divisive forces creeping in to split people along religious lines and advocated for dignified coexistence of all faiths.
The Archbishop's message, delivered on Wednesday, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges to India's secular fabric and underscores the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the rights and security of every community.
