Christians must enter politics, says Rev. Valson Thampu

Christians should enter politics and must stand for the voiceless, says Rev. Prof. Valson Thampu, principal of St Stephen's college, India's most prestigious and leading institution based in New Delhi.

Addressing a pre-election consultation at the Church of North India headquarters, the Christian theologian on April 2 questioned the lack of Christian's involvement in politics.

He opined that much of the persecution and hatred on minorities especially Christians are caused by 'bad politics' and this should be erased by the Church who should raise leaders to stand for secular principles and human values.

"The Christian community in India has always considered politics bane and has refused to participate in it," he said, adding "God is at the center of politics and one must not consider it non-spiritual."

However, he mentions, "What we need is not a mere politician, but rather a 'statesman'." The Christian community in India should produce capable statesman who will care for the poor and can render good governance, he said.

Referring to the recent Kandhamal violence, he said, "Christians have always made great contributions irrespective of caste, creed and color. The corrupt politicians who are polarizing the electorate and causing communal disharmony have forgot this contribution. Christianity arrived 2000 years back and Christians are no strangers in this land," he asserted.

He pointed that St Stephens College founded in 1881 by the Christian missionaries rendered education to all communities. The college was established on secular principles, he conveys.

He urged Christian educational institutions in the country to raise leaders who will be concerned for the poor and voiceless. "Jesus came to preach to the poor. Blessed are the peacemakers - We have to be this peacemaker during this turbulent time," he said.

The Christian institutions must inculcate good moral values in children so they can replace hate and violence by love. Debate and dialogue must be fostered for a better community, he added.

He rued that "today's politicians and celebrities in India are products of St Stephens and they have no concern for the poor."

"In a corrupt society there will only be victims. Christians must be nurtured and raised as good leaders who can care for the society, and uplift the status of the poor and voiceless," he continued.

With the announcement of the election dates, churches have been concerned, as over 714 million voters will be electing a government at a time of great uncertainty especially in the backdrop of escalating violence on Christians and the growing impunity in several states.