“We know that we have gone from death to life, because we love our brothers and sisters. He who does not love his brother remains in death. ” [1 John 3:14]
After swami Laxmananda Saraswati’s murder on August 23 in Orissa state, Hindu leaders accused Christians of the murder and demanded revenge.
- The government has taken security measures to protect churches and other places of worship.
- But has been unable to prevent harm to Christians and their property.
As of September 3, 36 deaths, mostly Christian, had been reported
Due to violent events against Christians in several districts of Orissa state, and the lack of an adequate and determined response from the authorities to protect the Christian minority, we have launched an institutional action campaign, aimed at the Indian authorities in Brazil, calling for an end to violence. Participate by sending an email or letter.
This campaign will end on November 1, 2008. But don’t participate once, send as many letters and emails as possible.
The following is a text template. If you have contact with people in government authority positions (deputies, senators, etc. ), encourage them to participate as well. Remember: letters should be sent directly and only to the Indian authorities.
Emails: [protected email], [protected email], [protected email], [protected email], [protected email]
India is the world’s largest democracy and has a long history of harmony and peace among the country’s minority groups; for this reason, I am surprised by the news of the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four others on 23 August 2008 in Orissa state.
The consequences of these deaths have reportedly been much worse: anti-Christian violence has already affected at least five states and caused more than 40 deaths and thousands of refugees.
Maoists have reportedly claimed responsibility for the murder, but Hindu authorities say Christians are to blame, severely affecting the already unstable relationship between Hindus and Christians in the region.
We call for an urgent response from your government to do everything possible to calm violence and restore peace and stability in the region as soon as possible, protecting the country’s Christian minority.
In my opinion, this should involve the federal government, state authorities, and local leaders, including religious leaders.
I also ask your government to consider taking the following steps:?Designate an investigative agency to investigate the case appropriately and impartially; ?Have sufficient paramilitary forces in all affected areas to prevent further violence.
Based on the results of the investigative agency, culprits must be prosecuted for inciting violence and victims must be compensated for their losses, according to the impartial investigation of the damages.
Count on my prayers for the rapid restoration of peace and stability in the region. May all relevant authorities be honored with the necessary wisdom. I’m sure of your goodwill.
Honestly, (your name)