About 10,000 people recently gathered in Azad Maidan (South Mumbai) to participate in a rally protesting the brutal treatment of Christians in India over the past few months, most recently in the form of attacks on churches and schools in New Delhi. The purpose of the rally, which was organized by the Bombay Catholic Sabha and Indian Christian Voice associations, was to decry the waves of violence steadily mounting against Christians in India and at the same to promote peace and solidarity among the country’s many minority groups.
Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai, Angelo Gracias, said he was deeply concerned about the government’s silence with regard to the atrocities that are taking place in many parts of the country. The Pauline Family in India turned out in large numbers to support the rally, actively professing their faith and taking a stand for the protection of the rights of the weak and defenseless.
During the rally, twelve speakers from different groups and religions addressed the crowds, raising their voices to reawaken consciences to the need to safeguard the rights of the country’s many minorities.
