Tag: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi

The archbishop of New Delhi has waded into Indian politics, urging Catholics to pray for democracy and marginalized people ahead of national elections next year, bringing a quick rebuke from the ruling party. India is "witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and the secular fabric of our nation," Archbishop Couto wrote in his May 8, 2018 letter, which was sent to all the city's churches. "I personally believe that no one should say things like this, for a religious person to make such comments cannot be accepted and appreciated," Shah said. A top party lawmaker, Subramanian Swamy, demanded the scrapping of diplomatic ties with the Vatican because of the archbishop's remarks. Archbishop Anil Couto, in a May 8 letter sent to New Delhi's Catholic churches, urged members to pray for democracy and for marginalized people ahead of national elections next year. The prayer also called for marginalized people to be "brought into the mainstream of nation-building." Minorities have complained of rising attacks by Hindu hardliners against them since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. Church leaders normally avoid getting too deeply involved in politics. The archbishop was, however, supported by opposition politicians. It is a fact."