Christians rally for peace in Pune

Catholics and Protestants took to the streets Monday to condemn the Pune blast that killed about 16 and wounded 57, last week.

A peace rally was held in which over 3,000 Christians reportedly took part mourning for the dead and praying for peace in the city.

After praying at a church, the participants marched to the German Bakery where the February 13 blast took place.

The blast came a day after India and Pakistan agreed to meet for talks in Delhi - their first formal negotiations since the Mumbai attacks.

Catholic Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona and Protestant Bishop Vijay Sathe, who head dioceses in this western Indian city, joined the prayers and the one kilometer march, reported Catholic news agency, UCA News.

According to the source, Christians were seen holding placards condemning terrorism and highlighting the promotion of peace, harmony and the protection of lives.

Noting that true religion teaches love and peace, Bishop Dabre condemned the blast and said such attacks in the name of faith was blackening religion.

Terrorism, he observed, doesn't distinguish between the guilty and the innocent because it has "no morality or ethical values". People of good will should come together and oppose terrorism, he said.

Besides teachers, some 500 students reportedly took part in the peace rally.

The marchers also lit candles and prayed in front of the German Bakery, which is a favourite tourist spot.