In his Christmas message, the Bishop of the Poona Diocese, Rt. Reverend Thomas Dabre says that he considers ‘ghar wapsi’ and impostion of Saraswati Puja and other methods on Christians are not keeping in spirit of authentic Christianity.
Extending warm Christmas greetings to people, the Bishop has called upon people to spread the message of Jesus Christ — peace, tolerance, compassion equality, justice, and freedom.
He said there was need for a religious and spiritual revolution to promote good of every human being and which aims at not bringing any pain, harm, injury or death to any human being. He said it was the need of the hour.
Spreading Biblical wisdom relevant to modern society, the Bishop said in his message, “Blessed are the peacemakers, those who have hunger for justice, righteousness and morality.” He asked people not to fear but have courage.
“In the world and in India, there are so many religions. But in the name of religion, some followers indulge in merciless and brutal acts of violence. They kill innocent children, worshippers and travellers. Terrorism, fanaticism and fundamentalism create fear among the people of minorities. Programmes like ghar wapsi, imposition of Saraswati puja and other methods on Christians are not in keeping with the spirit of authentic religion. Indeed, all such acts and events are an antithesis of true religion. This is not true religion; this is abuse and desecration of religion,” he said.