Church leaders meet President

A delegation of church leaders who met President Pranab Mukerjee on Friday maintained that they have been assured of his support.

Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto expressed his satisfaction after the meeting and said: “We expressed our concern on the growing attacks on churches in Delhi and across the country and appealed for necessary action.”

A joint release issued by the church leaders who met the President noted: “The President said that what was happening in Delhi and other places in the country is totally unacceptable.”

He added that the attacks were bringing bad name and reputation to the country and everyone.

“The President maintained that the attacks on religious places are to be strongly condemned by one and all as they are dangerous to the country’s unity. They must be stopped as early as possible,” noted the release. The delegation that met the President included Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara (Bishop of Faridabad Eparchy), Vicar General Fr. Susai Sebastian among others.

“We are glad that the President gave the assurance that he would speak to the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister and necessary actions would be taken to put an end to these attacks, hate campaign and false propaganda,” the Archbishop said.