Bangalore: Christians express solidarity with the persecuted of Iraq-Syria


From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 15: Christians of Bangalore offered mass prayers and expressed solidarity with the thousands of innocent people who are being persecuted and subjected to inhuman violence and other atrocities by the Islamic fundamentalists in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria and other countries in the city on Sunday.

The Christians, led by Bangalore Archbishop Dr Bernard Moras, who is the President of the All Karnataka United Christians Federation of Human Rights (AKUCFHR) and the Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRCBC) and leaders of various denominations of Christians, took out massive silent protest march from St Patrick’s Church on Brigade Road to the St Joseph’s Indian High School Grounds on VittalMallya Road opposite Kanteerava Stadium, and held a massive rally braving the scorching sun as part of the observation of Black Sunday.

After the mass prayers, in which the leaders of different Christian denominations affiliated to AKUCFHR like Catholics, Church of South India, Methodists, Baptists, Pentacost, Syrian Orthodox, Assemblies of God and representatives of the FKCCA as well as Sri Shanthaveera Kolada Math Swamiji, BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R Ashok, Shanthinagar Congress MLA N A Harris, Agha Khan and other leaders took part, addressed the large gathering of priests, nuns and other Christians. They also offered prayers for the victims and displaced persons in the flood havoc in Jammu and Kashmir.

Archbishop Moras, in his address, said it was a matter of deep concern and anguish to all people throughout the world, especially Christians, in view of the targeting of the religious minority by the fundamentalist and extremist Islamic group wantonly carrying out the genocide.

Over 1.75 lakh of Christians and people sympathetic to them had been massacred in Irag, Syria, Nigeria and other African countries by the ISIS terrorist organisation. ''We need to rise against such inhuman holocaust, brutal torture and murders. Our silence and non-responsive attitude would mean our consent and support to such violence and atrocities against humanity,” the Archbishop said.

The inhuman and brutal killings, torture, rape and other forms of atrocities must be put to an end and the entire civilised world must act to end the massacre. The extremist and terrorist groups have targeted innocent citizens of all religions and not just Christians. The exploitation and atrocities against innocent human beings and the sexual abuses of women must the ended, he said.

The Archbishop quoted the condemnation and anguish expressed by Pope Francis at the happenings in Iraq, Syria and other African countries and said: “The news reports coming from Iraq leave us in dismay and disbelief: thousands of people, including many Christians, driven from their homes in a brutal manner; children dying of thirst and hunger in their flight; women taken and carried off; people massacred; violence every kind; destruction of historical, cultural and religious patrimonies. All this gravely offends God and humanity. Hatred is not to be carried in the name of God! War is not to be waged in the name of God,”

Pope Francis had made an impassioned impassioned plea for the world to halt the “slaughter” of Christians and other religious minorities by Islamic extremists and called on the international community to find “an efficient political solution that can stop these crimes,” as many consider them as tantamount to genocide” the Archbishop said quoting the remarks of the Pope.

Sri Shanthaveera Kolada Math Swamiji termed the happenings and killings in Iraq and Syria and brutality towards the innocent victims as nothing but acts of the devils and demons and must be condemned by all.

''The killing of Muslims by Muslims amounts to cheating Allah, the almighty,” he said and pointed out that no religion in the world has ever propagaterf violence. Everybody should realise this ideal and principle and end the violence.

Senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R Ashok said it was a matter of deep sadness and anguish that countries like Iraq, Iran, Syria and neighbouring Pakistan were breeding extremists and terrorists and were behind the genocide against innocent persons in the name of religion. The atrocities in Iraq, Iran, Syria and other African countries against Christians and other religious minorities must be condemned by all, he said.

The extremists and terrorists in Pakistan had not spared even the Indian soldiers engaged in the rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the recent flood havoc and therefore all Indians must raise their voices against such forces, Ashok said.

  

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Comment on this article

  • PEDDU, MANGALURU

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    CHRISTIANS ALWAYS PEACE LOVING PEOPLE BUT THEY DON'T KNOW THAT ONCE JESUS REBEL AGAINST THE PEOPLE WHO CONVERT THE TEMPLE AS MARKET !!!

    THE IDEOLOGY OF PEACE SOME EXTENT OK BUT NOT ALL THE TIME

    TIME TO ERADICATE THE "RELIGIOUS BRAMHARAKSHAS"

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Be Positive, Mangalore

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    Yes Christians pray to the country its rulers ,Authorities where ever they are in every Sunday worship this is built in the Christian Worship format !!

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • SKumar, vashi,

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai
    Common Bro Valerian, you mean to say US acting against india and supporting PAK, to make india strong????
    Whats the use of that strength/development after killing innocents.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    S.Kumar,
    Who told, in the conflict between Pak & India, U.S. sided with India?
    U.S. always sided with Pak, USSR sided us, is known to all.
    U.S. is working in their interest.
    Facts are facts, sentiments are sentiments.
    BUT THIS IS NOT CONFLICT BETWEEN INDIA AND PAK.
    DON'T MIX INDIA PAK CONFLICT WITH THIS ISSUE.
    Equations are changing. Who knows in future who will side whom?
    Friends will turn foes and foes can turn friends. India will also be a super power!

    DisAgree Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nithyananda Beskoor, Udupi, Dubai

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    @Rita & Alwyn, I deplore for sins happening around the world, but good people always outnumber bad people. The whole Arab world and west has joined to fight against ISIL so no worry . What I meant is do not pray only because Christians are being killed in Iraq, but pray for everybody who face trouble & torture in the hands of extremists. Pray for peace around the world . Pray for the poor and oppressed people in India. Not because they belong to same religion as yours. We are Indians , our brothers and sisters are in India.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • alwyn, Canada

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    If we donot pray in public we do pray in our hearts for poor in India not only that even every visit to India I donate 10 per en of my income just distribute to my Hindu poor families without expeciting any from them. I known these people 25 years now help them build houses school their children but few people name us converter even though doing good work to human. That is what mean people do but we Christian do our part of helping without religion base. Hope I clarify your doubt what Christian means and house we follow jesus in seErving human. Please read mother Theresa life and you will be thrilled to see her work towards without discrimination towards humans.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Wed, Sep 17 2014

    @Nithyananda,Again I say,we dont make any difference when praying whether one is from our own Religion or other.Difference is in India others make it,whatever one does to the needy ,then is called they do it,they come to convert them,or already done,or when one prays in church go and disturb.such typ of double policy is really disturbing.we can and do help in India and Africa,or Latein America.In some dangerous area,it is difficult .so prayers are the only best method we can do.Now please let us put a fullstop here .

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    This is an eye opening challenge to all religious people that extremism in any religion using sword and gun will shed innocent blood. Religion is the way of peace-love and forgiveness. Good hearted people of all religions must get united to stop this modern day devilish atrocity using religion as a banner.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Swapnil Kumar,
    You gave different meaning to my comments.
    I stated in my comments that U.S. has been using Pak for arms business in the region, which is known fact and other information in the comments is from History.
    Then how can you term it as betraying apna desh?
    China got freedom due to defeat of Japan in the War. After many years China became strong. But was that war waged for making China strong and destabilizing India? No!
    Some unforeseen development take place after War.
    In the conflict of 2 other countries not involving our country, definitely everyone has his preference!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nithyananda Beskoor, Udupi ,Dubai

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    I do not understand why Indian Christians pray just because they belong to their religion. India is a secular country and what is happening outside India is not our business. Lets all pray only to condemn inhuman treatment given to human beings by fellow human beings and not based on religion

    DisAgree [68] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    @ Brother Nithyananda B.Udipi,do you mean it seriously?Dont you feel anything when you hear that People are being prosucuted without any fault,and just because they are not willing to Change their reigion?what would you say when someone says to you to Change your Religion and if not willbe prosicuted? we cant do anything from far but only unite with them in prayers ,to have strenght to face the agony.I remember in my childhood,we used to pray for People from China who too had to face the same Problem because they practised their Religion.We dont know what can us face tomorrow in India too.In the Name of Religion People dont hesitate to kill People as like animals.Nowhere is peace.I too can hope and pray that May god enlighten them to stop this massacara.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alwyn, CANADA

    Tue, Sep 16 2014

    Christians pray for even hindus, mulsims, also others who is in difficult situations. If you visit any choice of your catholic church on Sunday mass you will be listening the prayers for congregation praying for people who has lost life, who has lost their loved ones, orphans, sick, forbidden, you name it.not only pray in church we also do it in practice to serve the poor, help the needy. so please time to pray rather criticize for the good work. if you cant do good please donot think bad even hinduism never preach hate. so be a good humans with a clean heart and serve the people of this earth. keeping aside religion be a good human with clean heart then everything follows where god is present every milliseconds of in life. god bless you and give you peace, love, affection towards all brothers and sisters

    DisAgree [2] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Swapnil Kumar, Vashi,

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Valerian D Souza, Udupi / Mumbai
    You satisfy yourself with all these nonsense and chant US US. US is no doubt utilizing Pak against india. Why he is pouring money in PAK dear? If universal peace prevails then who will buy weapons from US? its a open secret that US is doing business in the name of peace. US was, is and will remain ba!st@rd country who wants business at any cost. Every one knows why US invaded Iraq? Nostradamus fortune about US will come true. Stop supporting US. don't betray apna desh, mera bharat mahan.

    DisAgree [30] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Jaimini PB, who will fund billions $ war expenses? They have spent it beyond their means in Iraq and Afghanistan! Wait have patience...America will not spare them...though two of its citizens are killed this time! They protect their citizens more than our politicians!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Only America can wipe out this Brahma Raakshas...But to reach this Raakshas,one has to find out the root..Root is in Pakistan who are training youngsters and make them suicide bombers..It is still a mystery why don't America take serious action on Pakistan inspite of Pak's hand in sheltering Bin Laden.? Do America want India to be under tension always ?..If they have this kind of attitude,believe me Terrorism will be alive till this world ends..America will suffer more than anyone in future..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D Souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Dear Jaimini,
    What I believe is, America may be waiting for an appropriate time to strike at Pakistan.
    Iraq attacked America's ally Kuwait, America warned them to withdrew but Iraq defied, so America attacked Iraq.
    Osama Bin Laden attacked America. Taliban of Afghanistan supported Osama. America asked Tabiban to handover Osama which Taliban defied. America attacked them.
    America is aware Pakistan is a terrorist state but Pak sided U.S. during Iraq war.
    During cold war between U.S. & USSR, Pak sided with U.S. whereas India sided with USSR.
    All these reasons and no direct evidence of Pak involvement against U.S. may be restraining them to attack Pak.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Dear Mr Valerian..Pak gave shelter to World's Most Wanted (America's most wanted)person Bin Laden for 10 years..Did US forget that Al quaida chief's planned attack (9/11) claimed nearly 5000 lives..What more evidence do America want to strike Pakistan ?

    America don't want India to be strong..They are scared that India would become No.1..So,because of Terrorism,Indian Govt must spend huge money on defence and can't concentrate on other development things..America want it at the cost of own safety !! Nanna chaddi haridru tondre illa..avnu chaddi haak baardu..This is America's Policy..

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D Souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Dear Jaimini,
    Harboring Osama was a real issue! How come U.S. secretly assassinated Osama but didn't take action on Pak is a real question mark!
    I was thinking at that time that they might take action on Pak but they didn't.
    May be U.S. has its own strategy of using Pak, for their Arms Race in the region.

    DisAgree Agree [22] Report Abuse

  • PEDDU, MANGALURU

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    WE ARE NEITHER DUMP OF DEAF !!!!

    TRULY SAID IT

    BUT WHERE IS YOUR UNITY

    ONE IS GOING TO "PASCHIMA AND ANOTHER ONE GOING TO PURVA"

    UNIT THE PEOPLE FIRST WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING RATHER CRYING WOLF

    DisAgree [4] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D Souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Dear Peddu,
    Of course our people are united.
    But in the matter of persecution in Iraq, Syria, Nigeria etc. pained people over here can't do anything except prayer and appeal for peace.
    That not only our leaders and people, all people irrespective of cast factor are doing it anyway.

    DisAgree Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • ER, Mangalore

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Why cannot western government miniatured nuclear bombs on thier hideouts and exterminate these terroists

    DisAgree [7] Agree [16] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amith shetty, Muscat/Mangalore

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Dear Valerian, Thanks for the comment. We need more and more people like you in our society. Some people comment blindly... they should wake up... no point in chewing same gum for year and year...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Just a friendly note don't Ignore, History is always remembered more for what we destroy not for what we create. Our wounds are still not healed and wounds, however leave scars...

    DisAgree [5] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian D Souza, Udupi / Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Dear Amith Shetty,
    What you have said is also true.
    I do not believe in exaggerating nor suppressing facts.
    We have to build bridges and not to loose the opportunity to make peace.
    Our scriptures also say so.
    We have to work towards bringing peace in the land we live in.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Deepak , Paladka

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    I Seriously believe that Christians from all around the world and the powerful vatican should pressurize western christian government managed powerful countries to do some thing which can stop beheading and crusification of innocent Christians. Even leading world media is not bothered to highlight the situation. We can see in arab countries about highlighting the GAZA causalities in all arab leading newspapers.
    And sorry to say we can see christian suffering pictures only in Facebook and whats up. Only Jesus can save his innocent followers.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian Dsouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    We should unitedly condemn the atrocities on Christians, Yezdis and Kurds in Iraq & Syria JUST BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH & NOT FOR ANY WRONG DOING.
    We should also condemn atrocities on minorities in Nigeria, Pakistan & Afghanistan etc.
    In our daily prayers we should pray for their safety.
    Minorities in India may not understand their REAL flight.
    What is happening in India is not even half percent of theirs.
    By the Grace of God, here the people are peaceful like in West and very much civilized at least in comparison to these rogue Countries.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [84] Reply Report Abuse

  • joe Gonsalves, Mangalore

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    It is indeed a very kind and good gesture on the part of our dynamic Archbishop Bernard Moras to have taken the lead role in having a public meeting to express the solidarity of Christians all over India to express our solidarity with the persecuted Christians in Iraq-Syria.

    The most cruel and unkind acts on the part of the people responsible for this crime are to be condemned by not only Christians but all like minded people all over the world.

    While praying for the persecuted people let us thank Archbishop Bernard for his initiative in calling for this meeting.

    Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree [3] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Greg D'Cunha, Doha Qatar/Mangalore

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    If we all accept the fact of oneness among ourselves as brother and sisters & accept the one creator, it's more beautiful. But, no matter what, The satan has his own ways in destroying the peace among the people. It can be any reason for that. As long as we forgive, respect and love eachother, the satanic activities can be week.We all shall get ultimate peace and absolute non violence only once we reach Heaven. Peace be with you loving people.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Prashanth P, Karla

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    We read in chandamaama about stories of many Raakshashas, these terrorist are may be rebirth of those devils!!At this juncture we should unite against these evils and try to eradicate them from root level.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [57] Reply Report Abuse

  • Bryan, Bahrain

    Mon, Sep 15 2014

    Why should we wake up now, The dignity of minorities in Mangalore has also been denied,If solidarity is unity of togetherness that I can promise you that we can bring peace and prosperity to this rejected world...

    DisAgree [45] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse


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