Pope exhorts Indian bishops for 'honest and sincere' faith

Christian life in a religious setting like that of India demands "honesty and sincerity about one's own beliefs" while respect for those of one's neighbour, Pope Benedict XVI told a group of visiting Indian bishops on Monday.

"The Christian commitment to live and to bear witness to the Gospel offers distinct challenges in every time and place. This is certainly true of your country, which is home to various ancient religions, including Christianity," Pope said while exhorting priests, religious and lay catechists to carefully employ the languages and appropriate customs of the people they serve in presenting the Good News.

To this end, he encouraged the bishops to "oversee this process with a fidelity to the deposit of faith which has been handed down to us to maintain and transmit".

With regard to interreligious dialogue, the Pope remarked upon the "challenging circumstances many of you face as you develop a dialogue with those of other religious beliefs, all the while encouraging an atmosphere of tolerant interaction".

"Your dialogue should be characterized by a constant regard for that which is true, in order to foster mutual respect while avoiding semblances of syncretism," he continued.

"Moreover, as Indian Christians strive to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours of other beliefs, your prudent leadership will be crucial in the civil and moral task of working to safeguard the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion and freedom of worship," he added.

Benedict XVI urged the bishops to work patiently to establish the "common ground necessary for the harmonious enjoyment of these basic rights".

"Even if he encounters opposition, the Christian's own charity and forbearance should serve to convince others of the rightness of religious tolerance, from which the followers of all religions stand to gain," he said.

In his speech, the head of the Roman Catholic Church also underlined the need for a "sound catechesis" which he pointed will allow believers to "flourish in faith, love and service".

"Priests, religious and lay catechists need to know how to communicate with clarity and loving devotion the life-transforming beauty of Christian living and teaching, which will enable and enrich the encounter with Christ himself," Pope said.

The prelates from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India are on their "ad limina" visit to Rome.