I refer to Jubel’s well-intended letter on passing away of “Cardinal Ivan Dias” in Rome. While elocutionist Cardinal Dias was a noble, distinguished son of India, climbed Vatican ladder through devotion, hard work, serving in Balkans, East Asia and West Africa and came from distinguished Catholic family, his brothers Francis delicately served in Indian army as Lieutenant General and another brother Ralf was a doctor, some of cardinal’s views may be controversial in eyes of liberal thinkers.
He was an outspoken supporter of the controversial 2000 document of the congregation of the doctrine of the Faith Dominus Jesus which declared that non-Catholics are in gravely deficient situation in comparison to those who, in the Church have the fullness of the means of salvation. He further said that Jesus is the only saviour of the world which may sound out of place in multi-faith India.
Perhaps he understandably reflects views of his followers which may sit in comfort in a staunch Catholic nation like Italy. But in secular, cosmopolitan, accommodating India where people and the State rightly believe in “Equality of all Religions” many worshippers, even his fellow Catholics may struggle to share his somewhat narrow define.
We non-Christians, always associate Christianity as bastion of freedom, equality, harmony, peace and progress, especially in 21st Century. That is why we made Great Britain, with Christian values, our home.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
