Church joins fight against corruption

Christian leaders joined hands with members of civil society in their agitation against corruption that is fast gaining momentum across the country.

Extending support to the campaign against corruption led by veteran social activist Anna Hazare, the National United Christian Forum (NUCF) said the recent unearthing of several scams such as the telecom scandal and the Commonwealth Games scam, involving massive sums of money highlighted the deep malaise affecting the Indian society.

Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao speaking on behalf of the NUCF said, "The people most affected by corruption are the poor, as corruption makes government schemes not only inaccessible to them but also allows for non implementation of government schemes and policies where they are most needed."

He added that, "The Bible forbids the taking of bribes. It is written that 'Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe makes people blind to what is right and ruins the cause of those who are innocent.' "

The NUCF is composed of the Catholic Bishops Conference, National Council of Churches and the Evangelical Fellowship of India.

As of 2010, India is amongst the most corrupt governments in the world ranking 87th of 178 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index.

Archbishop Concessao observed that the present legal provisions were inadequate as they are meant solely for public servants and also require the sanction of government authorities for the prosecution of the accused.

This is very painstaking process as often the sanctions are not forthcoming or take several years before any person can be prosecuted let alone convicted, he said.

India has very poor guidelines to protect those who speak out against corrupt practices and are whistle blowers. NUCF appealed to the legislature to urgently enact a "Whistleblower Protection Act" which will ensure that the voices of the courageous few who speak out against corruption are not shut out.

The Forum also called upon the church in India to "respond to this clarion call" and stand up against corruption.

On Tuesday, April 5, members of the Conference of Religious India (CRI), joined some 3,000 people at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to press for the anti-graft bill.

Scores of Catholic priests and nuns joined the 'India Against Corruption' movement supporting Anna Hazare's campaign for a law to fight corruption.

"This is the second freedom fight under the leadership of Anna Hazare for a corruption-free India. We, the Religious of India join hands with this movement," said Sister Karuna Maniyattu, organizer of CRI- Socio Economic Concerns.

It is high time that the people of the country play an active role in this movement to weed out corruption, she added.

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare on Tuesday began a fast unto death in the capital demanding for enactment of the Lokpal Bill with stringent measures against corruption.

Hazare was joined by noted figures including reformist Swami Agnivesh and former IPS officer Kiran Bedi.

"So far every government has shown complete insensitivity and lack of political commitment to tackling corruption. 62 years after independence, we still do not have independent and effective anti-corruption systems," Hazare said.