In the annual pastoral letter to priests, Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has said the Constitution is in danger, and most of the people are living in insecurity.
He has called upon the people to strive to know the Constitution, and exhorted them to work hard to protect it with values like secularism, freedom of speech, and freedom to practise one’s religion.
“In recent times, we see a new trend emerging in our country, a kind of mono-culturalism, which demands uniformity in what and how one eats, dresses, lives and even worships; all this puts human rights at risk,” the 10-page letter circulated on Monday said.
“Human rights are under attack and democracy appears to be in peril. Minorities fear for their safety as respect for law is on decline,” the letter released by Fr. Ferrao, his 15th, at the Church of Our Lady Mother of the Poor, Tilamola, on Sunday said.
The letter comes two weeks after Delhi Archbishop Anil Couto’s warning about an emerging threat to India’s democratic and secular fabric.
“At the time of elections, the candidates confuse the minds of people with false promises. And the people often sell their precious votes for selfish, petty gain. Today, our Constitution is in danger; it is a reason most of the people are living in insecurity,” Fr. Ferrao said.
Calling for the participation of Catholics and Church communities in politics and social movements, Fr. Ferrao said such involvement is vital for the creation of a just community.