by Ashok Ryan Crasta and Prashanth Prem Kumar
Mangalore, Dec 1: The Bishops and the Pastors of various Christian communities gathered together for prayer and reflection at Sahodaya, Balmatta, on Friday, November 30, 2012. The ‘All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (AKUCHFUR)’ had organised this programmes. This became an occasion of getting to know one another and learning to work together beyond the denominational differences.
Rt Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangalore, in his inaugural address expressed his satisfaction about the progress made in building unity among Christians in Mangalore. He stressed the need of focussing on commonalities among the followers of Jesus as all of them have the same mission and the same message of love.
Fr Onil D’Souza, the CODP Secretary, explained the purpose of forming the ‘All Karnataka United Forum for Human Rights.’ Rev. Icon Palanna of CSI-Karnataka Southern Diocese, in his reflection insisted on the need to promote harmony and consistency between words and actions. Rev. Sunny Samuel of Believers Church spoke about the need of promoting wider ecumenism. He opined that unity at the pulpit and unity of action must go hand in hand.
Rt Dr John S. Sadananda, the Bishop of CSI-Karnataka Southern Diocese gave a call to all the pastors at the gathering to come together for studying various aspects of Christianity in depth. He also requested the gathering to promote an inclusive universal vision of God’s plan of salvation.
Fr Ronnie Prabhu SJ, the Karnataka Regional Secretary of AKUCHFUR welcomed the gathering. Alfred Manohar, the AKUCHFUR –Western Zone Secretary thanked the participants and d the resource persons and Fr John Baptist Saldanha, Secretary of Mangalore Christian Council compeered the programme.
There were 80 representatives present from the following Churches:
1. Believers Church
2. Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church – Brahmavar Diocese
3. Mar Thoma Church
4. Syro-Malabar Catholic Church – Puttur Diocese
5. Syro-Malankara Catholic Church – Belthangady Diocese
6. Roman Catholic Church – Mangalore Diocese
7. Church of South India – Karnataka Southern Diocese
8. FCCO -Federation of Christian council Organisations
9. Karnataka Mission Net-Work