Persecution of Christians chief importance at Latin Bishops meet

When the Latin-rite bishops meet at their plenary in February, persecution of Christians would be the chief topic for cogitation.

Father Uduma Bala, deputy secretary general of the Latin-rite bishops' conference said, the brutal attacks on Christians last year would carry chief importance at the Feb. 12-18 meeting.

The meeting will be attended by 120 members of the Conference of Catholic Bishops in India (CCBI) in Mysore, Karnataka, ICNS noted.

Orissa and Karnataka were the two states were Hindu radicals carried vehement attacks on Christians. Thousands were forced to flee to forests and dozens were murdered in Orissa. In Karnataka, at least 20 prayer halls were ransacked by members of the saffron groups. The venue being Karntaka, Fr Bala says, will help the conference in recalling and reviewing the attack on Christians.

"Undoubtedly, with great hope Catholics look toward the hierarchy for guidance," he said on Jan. 27, adding that "much is expected" from the meeting that will be attended by the heads of 128 of India's 160 dioceses. Oriental rites and the Latin rite comprise the Catholic Church in India.

The 21st plenary titled 'Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church', will contain 173 members including cardinals, archbishops, bishops, one coadjutor and auxiliary bishops.

Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana will supposedly open the meeting.