Editorial

THE THREAT OF INTOLERANCE

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Comboni Mission Center

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Vol. XVIII x No. 1

FEBRUARY 2006

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The year 2005 ended with some worrying news. In at least ten Asian countries, Christian minorities are being persecuted by believers of other faiths – especially Muslims and Hindus – and suffering tremendous personal hardships. .

Here are a few examples. In India, there were more than 200 episodes of anti-Christian violence during the past year. A Catholic rights group reports that most of the violent acts and attacks were concentrated in states that are currently under the administration of the Bharatiya Janata Party, known for its hard-line Hindu fundamentalist views.

In some villages, Catholics have been ostracized socially, economically and religiously. For instance, in Roopapali, more than 40 Catholic families had to abandon their faith in favor of Hinduism: if they refused to convert, they would not get government subsidies for Dalits, the outcaste group at the bottom of India′s caste system.

In Pakistan, threats to Christians and attacks on churches and Christian property by Muslims are happening especially because of the iniquitous "blasphemy legislation,′ which imposes a life sentence on anyone found guilty of offending the Qur′an. The destruction of Sangla Hill Church (Province of Punjab) last November is just one case.

In Indonesia, Christian New Year celebrations were marked by fear due to a series of ′serious′ threats. An anonymous text message (SMS) announced the bombing of 31 churches in Kupang, capital of Nusa Tenggara Timur (the eastern part of the island of Timor), something similar to what really happened in October in Bali.

Fortunately, the threats did not materialize in the predominantly Christian province. However, 7 people have been killed and 53 injured by a bomb blast in Palu, in Central Sulawesi province (eastern Indonesia), in a crowded Christian market.

Religious fundamentalism is not just a lack of respect for others and their rights; it is a lack of (true) faith. Fanatics do not trust in the God they worship; they betray the faith they profess; they discredit their religion; they vilify life; and they put to shame their peaceful and well-intentioned brethren.

All religions talk about peace and proclaim that one of their main tasks is to achieve it. However, often no action is seen after the talk. There is too much violence for religion′s sake. Thus, fanatic fundamentalism is a major threat to world peace.

It is obvious that we need more religious dialogue – to get to know each other better, to overcome misunderstandings, to reconcile and to make peace. We also need concrete signs of goodwil in the form of respect and non aggression.

Leaders have the responsibility not to use religion for political aims. They have to help their people to control the irrational instinct of violence against people of other beliefs. Otherwise, all the talks would only be like "clanging cymbals." Good intentions without actions, after all, could also pave the way to hell.

<WM