September 4, 2008

The situation in Orissa continues to be tense. News of Church buildings being burnt down and people fleeing from their houses continue to be reported even though it is ten days now from the date of the first incident of violence.

The National United Christian Forum (NUCF) – NCCI, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and Evangelical Fellowship of India – is at the forefront of bringing these issues to public notice and getting the grievances of those affected, redressed. The NUCF has also appealed for appropriate action on those who had perpetrated this violence and on those who have failed to control it thereby causing deterioration of law and order situation.

Bishop Samson Das, CNI Bishop of Cuttack Diocese and the President of Utkal Christian Council has filed a writ petition before the National Human Rights Commission with regard to the situation. The Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bhubaneswar/Cuttack has represented before the Supreme Court of India to direct the concerned authorities to bring back the situation to normalcy. The Supreme Court of India has taken note of this petition and has “asked the Chief Secretary (of the Government of Orissa) to file an affidavit on Thursday stating that the administration will take all steps to protect life and property”.

Further to the appeal that I had sent to you regarding the closure of schools on 29th August and observance of Sunday, September 7th as a day of prayer and fast, I wish to appeal that the congregation/churches/parishes may be encouraged to set apart the Offertory of this Sunday Worship for ecumenical interventions that will be planned by NCCI along with  other constituents in NUCF. Some of you may have already got this appeal from the NUCF.

I sincerely thank you for responding to our earlier appeal and look forward to your continued support and solidarity as we seek to press for normalcy and restoration in the affected  districts of Orissa state. A Mission on documenting incidences of communal violence and atrocities on marginalized communities and minorities is also planned in conjunction with UELCI. Please uphold our initiatives in your prayers.

Bishop D.K. Sahu
General Secretary