Learn local culture, reduce harassment: Archbishop

While persecution and harassment against Christians is on rise in the country, a senior Archbishop says "by understanding and taking pride in the local culture" missioners can be more effective and reduce incidents of attacks.

"A missionary ought to be proud of the indigenous cultures and traditions" of local communities where the person works, Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati asserted at a conference on evangelization.

Attended by over 160 people, the conference titled "Cultural Challenges for Christian Mission in 21st Century" was organised by the Commission for Education and Culture of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India in Pune.

In his keynote address, Archbishop Menamparambil said, amid increasing globalisation, missioners cannot work like a "universal abstract idea or a global volunteer."

According to him, either "you belong or do not belong, strike roots or remain rootless" adding that being rooted in local culture would help reduce "the so–called harassment of Christians."

Further, he suggested to the priests and nuns to discuss matters with local leaders and study their region's geography through maps and books.

Serving over 40 years among various tribal groups in North East India, the veteran missioner explained culture has become a decisive force in politics, economics, social development, education, religious search and worship, and has often led to strife and violent conflicts. Unless missioners heed the demands of culture, he cautioned, they will be "going around in circles."

"Far too many missionaries are blind to the values, depths and identities of the cultures of the people they serve," he maintained, emphasizing the importance of understanding local culture in evangelisation.

He urged missioners and religious superiors to become permanent students of cultures. They should become "cultural bridge–builders" and "culture translators" to help people communicate across cultures, he added.

From several decades, Hindu nationalist groups have been attacking Christian missionaries accusing them of disturbing the nation's culture and introducing western ideas and ethics that are against the social norms.

Vehement attacks in Orissa and Madhya Pradesh against churches and Christian schools attributed to similar causes, have seriously paralyzed the community, forcing to ruminate over ideas for a better future.