Media Release (SP)

Chicago, Sep 20: Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath of St Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago has, through a press release, sent the following appeal to all the peace-lovers in Chicagoland, to join him for a peace rally on September 28, 2008 at 1.30 pm at St Thomas Syro Malabar Cathedral Grounds.
 
"As you are well aware, the persecution of our Christian brethren and the destruction of our churches, convents, orphanages and other Christian institutions are continuing unabated in Orissa, Karnataka and in some parts of Kerala.  We cannot remain silent spectators to such gruesome cruelties inflicted on innocent people.  We have to make our people and the local congregations aware of the indescribable hatred and violence let loose against Christians there.  It has been the desire of many people who have contacted me, to act together to bring to the attention of the Christian faithful here, about the atrocities being committed against Christians and their institutions in India," the bishop has explained.
 
He has further requested the Christians from Chicago and surrounding places, to join him along with all the peace loving congregations, to show their solidarity and support to their suffering brothers and sisters in India. He has said, that he is calling for a 'peace rally' and a 'prayer vigil' on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at 1.30 pm, at the Syro-Malabar Cathedral Grounds, 5000 St Charles Road, Bellwood, Illinois.
 
He has also requested the concerned, to make this announcement during this Sunday's service and encourage the congregation to join the peace rally on September 28, as above. For more information, www.fiacona.org may be contacted, he has informed. At the same time, the bishop has called for suggestions and co-operation from the like-minded people for the formation of a plan of action to address this issue more affectively, to ensure that such painful situations do not recur in future.