The recent tirade started by certain anti-secular elements in Goa against the Church for instructing the faithful not to support the communal parties in the coming election is condemnable and in fact I condemn it. Church is duty bound to advise and guide the faithful in a right direction as it did in the past not only in Goa but also in other parts of the world. When the then President of Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos brought corruption in his country leading to immorality, under the leadership of Cardinal Sin of Philippines and with the approval of the then Pope, the entire Philippines revolted against the corrupt rule of Marcos and brought in a change of government there.
The late Pope John Paul himself was instrumental in supporting the Solidarity movement of Lech Walesa in his homeland Poland and thru it the change in the government there. Besides, there are so many instances where one can see the Church involvement in fighting against corrupt rule.
In the last general election for Goa Legislative Assembly, the Goa Church has vehemently opposed the corrupt rule existing then under the Congress government and asked the people especially the faithful not to vote for the corrupt candidates and corrupt parties. This resulted in the downfall of the ruling Congress Party and coming up of BJP even though BJP is a communal party. The Church stand then was very clear, to fight against corruption just as it is now, to fight against communalism which is as bad as corruption, or it may be even worse.
Hence, it is imperative not only for the faithful as followers of the Church but even for others also to follow the right guidelines issued by the Church to reject the communal candidates who as per their party principles will destroy the harmonious fabric of our society.
Since the 2002 Gujarat carnage of Muslims under the very nose of Modi, minorities in India are living in fear of Modi and since Parricar cancelled Good Friday holiday of Christians in Goa, the Christian community in Goa is also living in fear. Only the secular elements elected by the secular people will eradicate this fear. In view of this Goa Church is right in advising the people to elect the secular candidates.
A.Veronica Fernandes,
Candolim, Goa.Tel: 7507394349.