Sandesh Prabhudesai
31 July 2000
Describing it as the commission for 'mavericks' and not minorities, the Goa Church has come down heavily on the National Commission for Minorities, especially its sole Christian representative John Joseph.
The editorial of 'Renovacao' (renewal), fortnightly bulletin of the Archdiocese of Goa, in its latest issue states : "such institutions either need to be disbanded forthwith or, at least, the incumbents replaced", adding that they become not only superfluous but remain discredited when such institutions run counter to their role.
The Church in Goa, representing 30 per cent of Goan population, has also blamed the NCM for playing disastrous role in handling issues of attacks against the Church, funeral services of the late Archbishop Alan de Lastic and the proposed inter-religious dialogue between Christian and Hindu organisations
"Denial of ground realities, evasive replies and insinuations regarding the Church, her people and institutions have been the names of the game this Commission, in the person of this only Christian member, has been playing, states the editorial.
Accusing Joseph of revelling in dangerous games much to the chagrin of the community he boasts to belong or represent, all his moves are also being seen as nightmarish by the Church, especially when the community is going through harrowing times.
Citing a report prepared by Joseph in May in connection with the ongoing agitation against controversial Meta Strips project in Goa, the 'Renovacao' reminds its readers his allegation that the Goan church is involved in creating communal tension and causing political destabilisation in the name of preserving environment.
The Church had then shot back accusing that NCM member Joseph had acted as an agent of Meta Strips and had even stayed and travelled in Goa during his visit at the cost of the company in March. "His report was as slanted as malicious, adding insult to injury", states the editorial.
Referring to Joseph's interview published by rediff.com this month, the Church has also expressed surprise over he reducing attacks against Christians to only 40 to 50, when the United Christians Forums for Human Rights, the Catholic Bishops Council in India and the National Council of Churches in India have compiled 198 such cases as taken place between March 1997 to July 2000.
The NCM has even exonerated the Sangh Parivar from its involvement in any of these attacks by examining only five such incidents, states the bulletin, adding that Joseph's reluctance to comment on the pattern of violence against these attacks reveals lack of seriousness and depth in addressing this burning issue.
The 'Renovacao' terms it as the insensitive approach of the NCM towards the Church with roping in government machinery in brining home the body of late Archbishop de Lastic and in handling his funeral as well as the selective approach in organising the inter-religious dialogue.
Interestingly, Joseph in his interview had alleged that Christian leaders with vested interests are now controlling the church leadership and playing politics in the shadow of the attacks. "In the name of violence and atrocities, I suspect some Christian organisations are trying to get foreign funds", he had said.
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