Bangalore: Christian rally concludes with a message of peace

Hundreds of Christians took part in what seemed a peaceful yet powerful Christian rally in the city organized by the Karnataka Chraista Sangh (Christian Association) members and led by Member of Parliament and former Police Commissioner, Dr. HT Sangliana.

The event which commenced with the unfurling of Indian national flag was followed by an act of freeing a cluster of pigeons denoting freedom. Church Leaders, Pastors, Evangelists and local community members in the city were actively engaged in the rally, carrying flags and banners quoting various inspirational and encouraging Biblical verses.

Dr. Sangliana during the rally said, "Today's peaceful gathering focuses on need to practice religion. Like Hindus want to worship God in their homes and temples even Christians have freedom to worship. However from past few months we are witnessing persecution from radical elements who are working against Christians.”

“If any media or report is put forth for Christian meetings to be conducted, these extremists with wrong motives wend to destroy them."

"Looking at Christians in India – rarely we can be accused due to our helping and loving nature. Moreover we care and work for the development of our country in many different forms. Be it education, social services, charity, we are doing the most as a community. We have never disrupted others," added Sangliana.

Emphasizing the non–violent nature which Christian’s possess, the Christian MP said, "As Christians who believe and practice non–violence in this country, we for centuries have been living in peace and mutual understanding."

The MP questioned why the Christians with such positive and innocent nature are being targeted by extremists for no reason.

"We have no slogans against any political parties, we only want law to be enforced and the people who are persecuting be punished," concluded the Christian MP.

Pastor Johnson who heads the Indian Presbyterian Mission and the St Thomas academic trust, speaking to a Christian Today correspondent said, "These days Christians are being persecuted without any reason. We are a peace loving people and want to have peace with everyone – let it be a Hindu, Muslim or a Christian."

Pointing conversion as one of the foremost reason why Christians are persecuted, the minister affirmed, "If we find anyone forcing conversion, we will willingly disregard the person from the Church. But what people fail to realize is that no one can convert and it is God who changes people bringing them to salvation."

Lately, extremists in Karnataka have been targeting Christian leaders and Churches in the state accusing them of conversion activities. The primary aim of the rally was to protest against these atrocities and claim peace in the society.

After the conclusion of the rally, the Christian representatives under the aegis of Global Council of Indian Christians submitted a memorandum to the governor of Karnataka, seeking justice.