Christian clergy must not participate in Congress activities: Franklin Monteiro

Christian clergy must not participate in Congress activities: Franklin Monteiro

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Mar 24: “The Christian clergy must focus on its duties of propagating their faith and must engage in activities that strengthen the relationship between the Christian community and other communities. They must not sacrifice the greater interests of society by actively supporting political parties. Activities such as actively participating in the programmes of the Congress might lead to a replication of the incidents of Sept 14, 2008,” said Franklin Monteiro, the district convener of the Dakshina Kannada BJP Minority Morcha in a press release issued today. 

The Minority Morcha has vehemently condemned the participation of Christian priests and nuns in a protest meet organized by the Congress against the delay in the concretization of the Kankanady - Valencia road. Monteiro clarified that local residents, and not the MCC, are responsible for the delay in concretization. In his press release, Monteiro said that the heads of local Christian organizations could have used other methods to present their case to the concerned authorities. Participating in a protest programme organized by the Congress is an action that cannot be tolerated. He warned the Christian clergy that the Morcha will have to take fitting action if this continues. 

The BJP Minority Morcha has accused Ivan D’Souza, the Congress leader, for telling a number of untruths during the protest meeting. The Morcha has advised D’Souza to speak only after obtaining accurate details regarding the concretization work undertaken by the BJP after coming to power. 

“Ivan D’Souza, who enjoys being in the limelight, must learn from primary school children how many meters a kilometer has,” commented Mr. Monteiro. He also pointed out the fact that Mr. D’Souza had not spoken a word regarding the work on the national highway between B C Road and Suratkal, which commenced in 2004 and remains incomplete even today; instead, D’Souza criticizes the BJP, which has concretized more than 70kms of road in just two years, he said. 

Mr. Monteiro has also requested the minorities to support the anti cow slaughter bill and honor the religious sentiments of the majority Hindus.