DIMAPUR, Feb 12 � The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) has strongly condemned the desecration of churches in various parts of India as �shameful stigmas in the annals of secular India� and said discrimination and religious intolerance are against the essence of human dignity.
�Inherent religious intolerant agenda of some religious fanatical groups� who defaced and desecrated churches in Delhi in the recent past and elsewhere in India has disturbed the secular and peaceful coexistence, CAN president Elias T Humstoe and secretary general Johnny Ruangmei said in a joint statement yesterday.
The Catholic body pointed out that the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of choice and practice of religion to every citizen against religious bigotry, intolerance, oppression and intimidation.
It further said any discriminatory form in itself is against the very foundation of humanity and was �utterly contemptible�. Reaffirming its firm belief in the teaching of the Catholic church, the CAN appealed to the citizens of India to remain united to uproot such �condemnable and inhuman act�.
The CAN said the immediate need is for passing laws to protect all social or religious minorities and demanded that befitting penalty be awarded to abettors or participants of any act of social or religious crimes.
It also invited Christians in Nagaland to joint in prayer for courage and strength �to remain firm in our faith� as true believers of Christ.
