Catholics regard Christian witness essential in Church's outreach

Catholics in northern India regard Christian witness very paramount and essential in the Church's outreach to the poor and disadvantaged.

A survey held in Simla-Chandigarh showed the faithful identifying authentic Christian witness as the top priority for the diocese in the coming years.

The survey's findings were highlighted in an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Bishop Ignatius Mascarenhas, who spearheaded the survey after taking post last year, told ACN that he would redouble efforts to prioritise Christian outreach "through our schools, our preaching, our service – telling people it is Christ's love we are sharing."

"Our institutes must remember they exist to bring Christ's love," he said.

The survey respondents underlined the need to give poor children more opportunities to study in Catholic schools; the need for concern to youths; and social development.

Noting how support for youth emerged as the third most important issue, Bishop Mascarenhas said the Church would focus on increasing young people's faith and promoting Christian ways of living in contrast to the contrary messages appearing in the media.

Coming fourth on the list was social development - "Helping poor people to stand on their feet and forming self-help groups".

Bishop Mascarenhas outlined the need for a special emphasis on the rights of women and girls. He said the perception of girls as a burden is slowly changing, "but it will take time".

Lastly, the survey also viewed the need to expand health care. Teams have been set up to help implement these five priorities as part of the Church's mission.

Recent violence against Christians in India has moved ACN to make it a priority country. In 2009 it gave more than $4.8 million to projects to help the Church.