'Movement against corruption re-awakening of India's moral consciousness'

The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) today welcomed the government's decision in seeking suggestions from public on the contentious Lokpal Bill.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on personnel, public grievances, law and justice, which is to suggest amendments to the Lokpal Bill, on Saturday published advertisements in leading newspapers, demanding suggestions on the Bill.

Stating that India as a nation has let slip the values of honesty and integrity, EFI pointed to the spread of corruption in India's public and personal life and said Dalit, tribal, poor and minority communities have faced the brunt with a deep sense of desperation.

"The greater tragedy is that the highest seats of leadership in our political, administrative, religious and educational arenas are the worst affected by corruption. The crisis of corruption illustrates that deception, injustice, and violence reign supreme when politics is not an arena of truth," the evangelical body expressed.

"The extensive coverage of corruption scandals in high places over the years has kept the issue of corruption in the limelight. While those in leadership roles have a greater accountability and responsibility, corruption is a social problem that requires comprehensive social churning and cultural changes."

Rev. Dr. Richard Howell, general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India, noted that the movement against corruption must be viewed as a "re-awakening of the moral consciousness of our nation".

"A nation depends on truth and truth depends on the struggle of the truthful people. As Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free," (John 8:32). It is we, the people of India, who will and can make India corruption free, by being honest, courageous men and women of integrity," Howell said.

The evangelical leader also observed that the present crisis was a clarion call for the Church to "introspect and repent".

"The church by its witness to the truth, in humility, honesty, integrity and loyalty to God, needs to be a powerful influence in transforming our nation," he said.