New Pune Bishop asks Christians to blend with other religions

The newly appointed Pune Bishop has called Christians to commingle with other religions to promote harmony and peace in the country.

Taking charge at the Catholic Diocese of Poona, Bishop Thomas Dabre, on Sunday, recalled the violence against Christians in Orissa, and said: "Christians in the country should blend with other religions so the true nature of Christianity can be revealed."

Bishop Dabre who is also the secretary-general of the Catholic Conference of the Bishops of India Latin Rite, explained that communal violence is out of "misunderstanding and prejudice" which is ultimately for the political ends.

"I have been closely in touch with all the religions and cultures. I have visited several temples including Ram Mandir, Tukaram Mandir, and Vithoba Temple. And I shall further strengthen my contacts with them," he said, emphasizing on the need for religious harmony.

The prelate who has completed his doctorate on The God experience of Tukaram', a study in religious symbolism, says he finds the teachings of Marathi Saint Tukaram similar to the teachings of Christ.

"I find the teachings of Tukaram similar to what Christianity believes in many ways. For example in one his abhangas Tukaram says man who has compassion doesn't discriminate between friend and foe. Similarly Jesus says Love thy neighbour," he illustrated.

After Bishop Dabre took over from Rev Valerian D'Souza, at a ceremony in St Patrick's Cathedral, he said, special emphasis would be given to the youths in the city. "I am proud of the youth of Pune and they are our hope and strength. I'm confident that the youngsters will be with me as I assume responsibility," he was quoted saying.

Dabre said there is enormous "diversity in Pune and my responsibility will be to unite this diversity."

Dabre was previously the Bishop of Vasai Diocese and also served as a professor at the Jnana Deep Vidyapeeth. He completed his higher studies in Theology at the Berkeley University at Chicago, US.