Annual Christmas celebration in AP calls for peace

An ecumenical Christmas celebration in Andhra Pradesh has called for peace and harmony amid the Telangana chaos.

Attended by political heavyweights like Chief Minister K Rosaiah, the 31st Annual Christmas Celebrations by United Christmas Celebrations Committee (UCCC) spread the message of peace and goodwill educed from the birth of Christ.

Greeting Christians on the occasion, the Chief Minister hoped that Christmas as a season of love can bond people and communities.

He prayed that the message of Christmas could spread cheer in the state, which is currently witnessing unrest caused by the decision to carve out a separate state.

Jointly organised by the Protestant and Catholic churches, the Dec. 18 event showcased an inter-denominational choir with 100 singers from different churches.

CM Rosaiah cut a Christmas cake even as carols and nativity plays spread the festive atmosphere.

Among church leaders who attended the function was Most Rev Marampudi Joji, Archibishop of Hyderabad; Rt Rev T Kanaka Prasad, Bishop in Medak Church of South India, Medak Diocese; Rt. Rev, MV Kristie, Methodist Bishop and others.

Last year, the annual function was attended by late chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

Andhra Pradesh State Transport commissioner and Chairman of the United Christmas celebrations committee J.Raymond Peter said the celebrations committee was organising the programme for the last 31 years in the Greater Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, at the function, CM Rosaiah declared that the state government had launched several welfare schemes for the minority Christians.

He said the government will provide financial assistances for organising mass marriages for Christians and will also support those yearning to visit Jerusalem on a pilgrim tour.

In addition, he pointed that the state government had passed a resolution in support of SC status to Dalit Christians and Muslims.