THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN 18: The Latin Catholic Diocese of Thiruvananthapuram has sought a national debate on the secular image of India, and the role of the Sangh Parivar, and the Hindu Jagran Manch in `promoting' or `destroying' religious harmony in the country.Bishop Soosapakiam and his education secretary Father C Joseph, who met Prime Minister A B Vajpayee at the airport yesterday, also welcomed the Prime Minister's suggestion for a national debate on conversions.``We are aware that false allegations are levelled against us at all levels, the most severe being charges of forced conversion. We are not for forced conversions as it is against the very principles for which Christianity stood. A national debate on conversions will help us clarify our stand and defuse the cloud of suspicion and mistrust,'' a memorandum submitted by the Bishop said.``We appreciate your statements denouncing violence against Christians and guaranteeing full protection to all section of minorities. But we are frustratedto note that no effective steps have been taken to prevent the savage acts of repression, murder, defilement of sacred persons and destruction of churches,'' the memorandum said.``It does not require great expertise to see that the attacks on Christians and churches are not isolated incidents of violence but part of a well planned programme aimed at wiping out Christians from the country. We Christians are peace-loving and law-abiding people, fully loyal to the country. We are pained when we are called foreigners even by the most important personalities,'' it added.The memorandum also asked the Prime Minister to take steps to stop acts of repression and violence against Christian minorities in Gujarat and elsewhere in the country. Those who perpetrated the crimes against Christians should be brought to book, it added.The Bishop and his education secretary arrived at the airport shortly before the Prime Minister arrived by helicopter from Kollam. Vajpayee stepped into the specially erected pandal nearthe Air Force strip and first met them. The discussion lasted for over five minutes.The Bishop told newspersons after the meeting that the Prime Minister seemed to welcome the suggestion for a national debate on the secular image of the country. The Bishop added that the Prime Minister had said that he was fully aware of the good work that Christians were doing in the country.Asked if he was satisfied with the meeting, the Bishop said, ``I have faith in the Prime Minister. But one must keep in mind that he has his limitations since he is also a party man.''
