Ecumenical meeting says no to 'sheep stealing'

An ecumenical prayer meeting in Bhopal admonished pastors and priests to promote mutual respect and shun competition among denominations.

The meeting - chaired by Archbishop Dr. Leo Cornelio and attended by Protestant, Pentecostal and Catholic leaders - condemned 'sheep stealing' and urged for unity among churches as one body of Christ.

"It is a meeting aimed to unite Christians in the prayer of Lord Jesus that 'let they all be one'," said Archbishop Leo who rued that sheep stealing led to disunity within the Christian community.

He underlined the need for respect of each other and other religions as well. "There are values in every religion, we need to recognize and respect them too, and abusing any religion is not a good practice," he said.

The meeting set up a committee of four members to formulate an appeal to pastors and priests to refrain registering believers of other churches in their own church. It also urged Christians to stick to their home church.

In case someone prefers to change their denomination, they must obtain a No Objection Certificate from their parent church. The ecumenical leaders in the meeting approved this demand.

"It would look like a denial of freedom of denominations, so it would be better to call a transfer certificate from one church to other if any one change denomination," explained Archbishop Leo.

During the discussion, the prelate also expressed concern over mudslinging between groups vying for interdenominational conversions.

He pleaded churches to end badmouthing, especially during preaching as it violates Christ's teaching of love and peace.

Many of them agreed that it was a dangerous trend and there is a need for Christians to unite to combat the extremist groups persecuting the Church.

Church leaders will again convene in Bhopal from January 18-26 for the upcoming Unity Octave that will continue to promote ecumenical harmony.