Archbishop to persecuted Christians: Look to the cross for comfort

Speaking to a group of persecuted Christians, mostly widows of martyrs from Kandhamal violence, former Archbishop Ignatius Pinto of Bangalore, urged believers to look to the cross for comfort and inspiration.

Addressing the Fourth National Persecution Meet 2009 by the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), the Archbishop said forceful conversion was not plausible in a democratic society. Conversion of faith is by conviction and was the work of God and not of man, he explained.

Citing examples of Jesus disciples who were persecuted by the Roman Empire, he encouraged the Christians to "pray for the persecutors and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit sent by Jesus Christ."

Quoting the verse, "Do not be afraid for I have overcome the world", he exhorted the believers to follow the life of Christ and receive salvation in him, which can fill their lives with love, joy and peace.

He also handed out blankets and Bibles to the Orissa victims on the final day of the programme.