Polarisation ahead of Gujarat polls? Bishops ask churches to 'save state from nationalist forces'

So far in the forthcoming two-phase Assembly election, Gujarat has not seen communal politics. However, polarisation of voters on religious lines cannot be denied.

The reason is that the bishops of Gujarat have appealed to all Christians across India to defeat the BJP.

In a letter to the "eminences, graces and lordships" of the churches throughout the country, the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar has exhorted them to pray for the defeat of the "nationalist forces".

The letter dated November 21 and carrying the signature of Archbishop of Gandhinagar Thomas Macwan states that the Christians are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake.

"Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithful or institutions," the Archbishop said.

It alleged that there is a growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, OBCs, BCs, poor and others.

"Nationalist forces are on the verge of taking over the country. The election results of Gujarat State Assembly can make the difference," it said.

The bishops of Gujarat have requested the Christian priests to organise prayer services in their parishes and convents.

ELECT THOSE FAITHFUL TO CONSTITUTION

The archbishop exhorted his community members to work towards having such people elected in the Gujarat Assembly "who would remain faithful to our Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination".

Regarding the actions to be taken towards that end, the bishops said recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels would be of great help. "Encourage your faithful to pray the rosary," it said.

They claimed that time and again the rosary has proved to be a "protective hand" and that history bears witness to this statement.

"It saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto from being taken over by the people of other faith.

"Communist governments and dictators in a number of countries have been tumbled in the past through the protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary," it said.

The exhortation claimed that rosary has brought the level of abortion incidents in Poland from 30 per cent to 4 per cent.

Similarly, it said, the rosary will save India from "nationalist forces too".

"Even the Lord while he was praying in the garden of Gethsemane had asked his disciple to watch and pray. Let us take his advice seriously. Let us trust our Lord Jesus and ask his help! We jeep Mother Mary with us as a great support," it concluded.