Christian–Hindu leaders meet in Ernakulam today

To simmer down the violence in Orissa and other states following allegations of forced conversions by Christian missionaries, Hindu and Christian religious leaders are meeting on Monday in Ernakulam.

The meeting was initiated by the bishop's council in the wake of attack on churches and Christians in Orissa, Karnataka, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh states.

"The objective is to see that the recent unfortunate incidents do not harm the traditional spirit of religious harmony which exists in the state," said Fr. Stephen Alathara, spokesperson of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC).

KCBC sources said the gathering would help dispel misunderstanding of religious conversion among Hindu leaders.

"We are totally against forced conversion or through allurements. We never practice such activities" said Fr Alathara.

Leaders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are expected to attend the meeting along with Chinmaya Mission, Sivagiri Mutt and Mata Amritanandamayi Ashram.

Meanwhile the seven–day–sit–in by Christians in Delhi and NCR has hit the third day, with peaceful messages, songs and verses recited by priests, nuns and members of several Christian denominations.

Leaders who spoke on third day include Rt Rev Joseph Augustin,Achbishop of Raipur, Bishop SS Singh, Mr D Raja,General secretary CPI M, Mrs Amarjeet kaur, ITUC, Mr Manoj Alleppy MP.