Book relates 'shining' faith of Kandhamal Christians

After bringing to light the horrendous persecution of Christians in Kandhamal, journalist Anto Akkara is now out with his second book that speaks the valorous lives of many who clinched on to their faith during the time of tribulation.

The 'Shining Faith in Kandhamal' narrates the transcendental lives of Kandhamal Christians in the aftermath of the riots that erupted following the killing of VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides Aug. 23 last year.

The book was released by Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, president of Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), at the Indian Mission Congress in Mumbai on Oct. 15.

Cardinal Vithayathil in his 'Foreword' praised Akkara for publishing the poignant lives of the persecuted that stood firm in their faith even as they suffered untold agonies.

Kandhamal apart from the pain and suffering has produced "glorious moment for the Christian faith with deeply inspiring testimonies," he wrote.

The book documents the testimonies of Christians who defied killing and torture, and never backslid in their faith even under extreme pressure and threats.

Akkara earlier published "Kandhamal, a Blot on Indian Secularism" after several trips into Kandhamal, and interviews with victims of the violence. It was hailed as a critical journalistic investigation into the orchestrated communal violence.

The book held the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government responsible for failing to contain the violence unleashed by groups owing their allegiance to the Sangh Parivar. Also, Akkara pointed that although 11,348 people were identified during the violence, only 633 arrests were made.