'Give Peace A Chance!'
- December 16th, 2024 :: Indian Christian Collective for Justice -

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Christmas is in the air, with festivities, decorations, carols, pageants, etc. But these do not and must not obscure the realities of death, devastation and displacement caused by violent conflicts that millions are exposed to. The rape of women, murder of infants and many such horrendous acts conDnue unabated.

Large number of people are displaced on account of war and violence and many are confined Indefinitely in relief camps with appalling living conditions, Scenes of people living in freezing fear under the shadow of terror a. the cries of the innocent, the wounded and the grieving surround us.

It is in this context that we celebrate Christmas announcing the message of peace on earth and of goodwill towards all of humanity. But Manipur continue, to bleed and burn. At this Christrnas let us extend our hearts in prayer and hands in solidarDy to the people of Manipur whose lives and communities continue to be ripped apart by over a year-and-a-half-long conflict.

Peace demands that a more responsive system of governance be ushered in, a permanent ceasefire to take place, and dialogue instead of imposed solutions to heal and restore relationships. Peace can be experienced only when all citizens are responsible — both the dominant and the minority groups.

We implore our leaders, especially the honourable Prime Minister, Home Minister and all the elected members to intervene with strong political will to de-escalate tensions and end acts of hatred and terrorism. We appeal for a dispensation that ensures justice a. freedom for all, beyond the boundaries tribe, caste, ethnicity, gender, region and religion.

Peace is the core teaching of all religions. May all religious communities stand together against Wolence and injustice in all regions of conflict and be the voice for peace, hope and reconciliation.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Emmanuel — °God with us" (Matthew 1:231 It signifies God's humility and compassion, a. as such offers hope, especfally for those caught In the vicious cycles of violence. Hope is possible in seeking forgiveness and giving up hatred and revenge.

In humility Jesus forgave, upheld diversity, embraced truth and practised love. There is hope for the warring communities and us if we all practise justice, love, appreciate diversity, and forgive one another, Hatred, aggress At domination and revenge only cause more loss and sufferIng. Let us opt for peace, dialogue and constructive collaboration in humility and love of one another.

Peace is the essence of Christmas. Christ came to bring peace to the world ancl every human being.

Let us GIVE PEACE A CHANCE this Christmas!

Alemla Longchar, Aruna Deenabandhu, Manchala, Geevarghese Mor Coofilos, Inatoli Aye, Inbara] Jayakumar,
Jerusha Daneil, Kochurani Abraham, Jesudas Athyal, Muanpuii Hmar, Paul Divakar,
Raynah Braganza, Samuel Mali Seno Tsuhah, Santhi Mathai, Stella Baltazar and Sudipta Singh

On behalf of the Indian Christian Collective for Justice

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