Archbishop of Delhi, Anil Couto kicked up quite the storm this week with a letter he wrote to all parish priests in the capital. “The turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles,” the letter states, “enshrined in the Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation. It is our hallowed practice to pray for our country and its political leaders all the time but all the more so when we approach the general elections. As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have new government let us begin a prayer campaign for our country.”
Written on May 8, the letter contains an instruction that it should be read at all Sunday mass prayers on May 13. Archbishop Couto requests that “We observe a day of fast every Friday of the week by forgoing at least one meal and offering our penance and all our sacrifices for our spiritual renewal and that of our nation.” He also called for an hour of special prayers, “eucharistic adoration”, every Friday at a convenient time in “all our parishes, religious houses and institutions specifically praying for our nation.”
The letter is accompanied with a special “Prayer for our Nation” that says, “Let the dreams of our founding fathers and the values of our Constitution- equality, liberty and fraternity- be always held in highest esteem. Let the people of all castes and creeds, all denominations and persuasions live in harmony and peace steering far away from hatred and violence.” Needless to say, the “prayer” reeked of anti-BJP sentiment. BJP President Amit Shah was quick to slam the archbishop. He said, “No one should say such things, when it comes to religion.” He added that “polarising people in the name of religion” is not “appropriate”. Leaders of India's political arena reacted conceivably with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury supporting Cuoto. BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Ministry of External Affairs to cease all diplomatic relations with the Holy Vatican- the seat of Christianity. He also urged the PM to give directions to authorities to seal Vatican embassy located in New Delhi. Modi himself, has maintained a dignified silence on the matter.
Also, former councillor Chuni Chavda has written a letter to the Pope, and the pontiff making a formal complaint against the archbishop. He believes that politics is best left for the politicians, and any effort made to create a wedge between Hindus and Christians should be stopped at the stem.
In what felt like a direct attack on the ruling Narendra Modi government, the archbishop unessentially jumped into a debate that is purely political and miles away from his respectful stature. The letter expectedly kicked off a war of religion as Hindu political parties in the country jumped to defend the country against what seemed like a well-thought out scheme of frisking an otherwise calm society. It remains incomprehensible as to what archbishop Cuoto wished to gain from the letter. A man of great religious holding spoke and the faithful listened. So, will they be careful while voting next year? That is the only possible interpretation of a letter that is understood to be thoughtfully curated.
For a bishop who stands at such a high rank, one would think he weighs the consequences of his words. It is believed that Christians, who voted BJP in 2014, have been having second thoughts since the letter was distributed to all churches in Cuoto's diocese. Despite his measure to control damage, the archbishop failed to realise that he pinched the nerve of people of the largest democracy in the world. The “constitution” he talks about clearly claims the country to be a secular nation. Over the years, even with changes in government, not once has the 42nd amendment been forgotten. Yes, it is also definitely true that there have been numerous incidents in Indian history where religions have bid against each other.
As much as attention seeking leaders find it amusing to play the same tune again and again, it is appalling that they forget that the very same communities thrive together the rest of the year. Why can't these leaders who are so scared for India's secularism, talk about the Hindus who celebrate Ramadan with their Muslim neighbours and friends each year? Or may be the mass celebration of Christmas and, Santa Claus being a favourite character across communities? How blood donation knows no religion, and neither does the country's health system?
With so many things currently wrong with the world, the only question one wants to ask Archbishop Anil Cuoto is that why dwell on the bad when you, who must show the path to hundreds, can in fact, choose to dwell in the light?
