A call to prayer!
In the last few weeks the country has seen a spate of unabated violence and bloodshed. Strikes by Maoists and other armed outfits, purportedly a retaliation to the brute force with which their demands are met, has been in the news. While the leaders of the Maoist and other armed outfits and the State battle it out, people bear the brunt of the attacks from both sides. While killings cannot be condoned there is an urgent need to address the issues and contexts that give rise to these conflicts. Also, veiled threats by the State to use freedom of expression with responsibility leave much to be desired in a country that has fought for its independence with words, sweat and blood.
The Road blockade in Manipur running into the seventh week, where even essential drugs and commodities are blocked, is another incident where the life and well being of the common people, and the poorest of the poor among them, are sacrificed. Though interpreted in some quarters as a sacrifice for a larger cause, and despite understanding blockades as internationally accepted means of exerting pressure on parties to conflict, it is about time that the Government in the State and at the Centre uses its diplomatic channels to govern, provide the necessities for life, and protect life of all its citizens despite their political ideologies and orientations, even transcending peculiarities of the region’s political scenario.
The State of Odisha trying to get back its credibility which hit a low on account of the riots in Khandamal is back in news on account of the use of violence and force on persons in Kalinganagar and other areas who are protesting against takeover of their lands for private players like POSCO and TATA. Development agenda of the Nation cannot be at the cost of dispossession and displacement of its own citizens. Common persons who oppose such takeovers fall prey to the bullets, women compelled to hardships and children forced to carry memories of a violent childhood and nothing else to bank on.
Amidst all this we are faced with two global events in the month of June – the International Environment day (June 5th) and World Mission Conference (June 2nd to 6th). Information on both these events is attached. It will be appropriate and meaningful to remember and observe these days locally highlighting the contexts and issues at hand. In such observance we appeal to you to observe the days and events in multifarious ways and particularly in prayer.
A recent WCC Global Round Table on Theological Reflection espoused Prayer as advocacy. In calling for prayer we therefore call for an advocacy for peace and reconciliation, and promotion of Affirmation of Life in all its fullness. It is our desire that the Churches in India and the ecumenical councils, organizations and agencies will observe these days in prayer (advocacy) lift up the contexts and issues that need to be addressed.
Let us Pray (advocate)
- That the State and the Non-State actors will uphold governance with responsibility for affirmation of Life to ALL
- That reactionary methodologies and activities will be dealt with introspection and in ways other than retaliation through brute force
- That Those fighting for a different perspective on, and model of, development than the one that the State has currently adopted will plan their strategies with greater discernment and discretion in order to reduce disturbance to living and destruction of life and property
- That initiatives to nurture just and inclusive communities of hope will find meaning and space in the otherwise profit-oriented market-driven governance structures and dominant ideologies
- That Church will help facilitate integrated living with all of creation and integral development through a people-oriented and life-driven approach
- That efforts of Churches and Christians in Manipur, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Odisha will discern the situation and act proactively to affirm life and living to all in the region and State
- That the whole Christian Community in the country with all her brothers and sisters of different faiths and ideologies will join in advocating for the rights of the victims to violence, dispossession and political turmoils
We at the NCCI will help you find more resources for prayer (advocacy). Feel free to approach us for more information.
Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi htchhungi@gmail.com (for matters relating to Manipur)
Mr. Christopher Rajkumar nccichristopher@gmail.com (for matters relating to Odisha, Maoist strikes, and World Environment Day 2010)
Dr. Solomon Rongpi srongpi@gmail.com (for World Mission Conference 2010)
Rev. Raj Bharat Patta rajpatta@gmail.com (for World Mission Conference 2010)
Fr. Vineeth Koshy vineethkoshy@gmail.com (for World Mission Conference 2010)
If you have any significant happenings to share please write to Dr. Mar Atsongchanger maratsong@nccindia.in, atsongchanger@yahoo.com On matters relating to governance and the government please write to Adv. Anjna Masih anjnamasih@yahoo.com , nccidel@nccindia.in
Let us proclaim a fast, let us unite in prayer (advocacy)
Seeking your solidarity in prayer and advocacy
Rev. Asir Ebenezer
Officiating General Secretary
Asir Ebenezer
Secretariat
|
