Elect supporters of religious freedom: Bishops’ Council

But circular distances itself from all political parties

The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council has exhorted its following to elect a government that honours the plurality of the nation and is committed to ensuring religious freedom and empowering Dalits, minorities and the marginalised sections who are forced to bear the ravages of neo-liberal reforms.

A circular issued by the council to be either read or circulated in churches of the Syro-Malabar, Latin and Syro-Malankara rites of the Catholic Church chooses to distance itself from all political parties. But it cautions the faithful to restrict the choice to candidates who conserve the diversity of Indian culture.

‘Gross inequalities’

The circular says, “The world has been subjected to gross inequalities in the face of globalisation. Corporates are thriving and the poor are getting further impoverished. People are yearning for a government whose policies will protect the common man, farmers, tribes and Dalits. The government should heed the woes of the poor while framing economic policies. While nurturing the country as an economic power, it should also ensure that its fruits benefit the social and economic growth of each citizen.”

Secular spirit

“Religious freedom ensured by the Constitution should be protected and individuals and communities should have the liberty to shape their life in response to the call of their conscience. There should not be any discrimination in the name of religion, while the country upholds its secular spirit. Religious extremism should be dealt with strongly,” the circular says.

The council warns against discrimination and physical attack in the name of religion, community, language, food habits, or wealth.

Political parties and individuals that could take a stance against such discriminatory practices should be swept to power, the council says.

The council does not have special affinity for a front, political party, or candidate. It neither subscribes to any ideology nor intervenes with political freedom of its flock. But the council is committed to ensuring that only those who could protect and conserve the unity, integrity and democracy are getting elected, the circular says.