Archbishop releases Christmas card, highlights Orissa plights

Delhi Archbishop Vincent Concessao has released a special Christmas greeting card that highlights the plights of Christians in Orissa.

The escalating violence on Christians in Kandhamal and other districts of Orissa, led to the idea of publishing special cards featuring the issue.

Conjoined with the picture of crib, the card reading "Peace to People of Good Will!" also contains pictures of Christians persecuted during the violence.

Public servants, political leaders, members of the civil society and several notable Christians are among those who will receive the greeting card, which intents to draw their attention on the atrocities committed on Christians in India.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has meanwhile asked the Christian community to avoid elaborate and ostentatious Christmas celebrations in the light of the atrocities on the Christian community and acts of terrorism and violence in the country.

CBCI Secretary General, Archbishop Stanislaus Fernandes said, this was in "solidarity with the Christians of Orissa, the pain our country is experiencing after the attack on Mumbai, in a spirit of fellowship with all the victims."