QUESTION: Archbishop Peter Machado has filed a case in the supreme court praying it to monitor attacks against Christians in the country. Why has this been done by an individual bishop and not by the CBCI?

ANSWER: It could be done by anybody, a bishop, a lay person or the CBCI on behalf of the Church in India. There have been repeated attacks on Christians and violation of their fundamental rights and human rights. I think the archbishop has done the right thing. Arch-bishop Machado is a bold leader, but he is not the only pleader. If I am not mistaken, three organisations al-so have joined him. Mistrust is being promoted by the powers that be. The government should actually unite the people, focussing on education, poverty elevation, job creation and social amity and harmony, health care for all etc. Those should be the priority for the government rather than creating a rift between communities, sowing suspicion and hatred, which is unacceptable. As regards the Karnataka elections, I expect a good outcome. The People are much worried and anxious. Corruption is rampant; there is nothing but corruption.

Bp Henry D’Souza
Bellary