Friday, December 10, 2010

Nuncio tells Indian Christians to unite

Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio has urged Christian denominations in India to be united to witness Christ in the country.

“Our divisions are contrary to the will of Jesus and they disappoint people’s expectations,” the papal representative told some 300 Church leaders in Pune, western India, ucanews.com reports.

The Catholic diocese of Poona organized the Nov. 4 ecumenical meeting with the theme “Followers of Christ, Unite.”

Archbishop Pennacchio said differences in doctrines and theological perspectives have hindered Christian unity.

“Christ knew that there would be differences among his followers. But he also knew a day would come when we would try to resolve the discord, disagreement and division,” he added.

The nuncio welcomed ecumenical interaction and dialogue taking place in various parts of the country and added that openness to the truth would hasten Christian unity.

The quest for Christian unity is “not a matter of choice but a duty because we are urged to seek the truth, the truth that will set us free.”

Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona said the Christian unity was a top priority for the Catholic Church in India. “Division among Christians is a wound on the body of Christ,” he said.

The prelate said he has received “excellent collaboration” from all Christian denominations after he took over the diocese eight months ago.

Church of North India Bishop Vijay Sathe of Pune said opposing Christian unity is an offense against God who wants to gather all people together in Christ.

Poona diocese also held an inter-faith dialogue with the theme “Religion for development and peace” on Dec. 5. More than 400 Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Buddhists attended the program.

SIC: CTH/ASIA