Bangalore: Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights Inaugurated
News and pics Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (GA)
Bangalore, Jun 20: In October, 2008, in the wake of the attacks on Christian prayer centres, the Archbishop of Bangalore invited the leaders of several Christian Churches and denominations for a meeting and after a prayerful reflection on the situation they decided to form a ‘Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights’, which would empower the Christian community in Karnataka. This would give the community a strong voice both in society and before the government and at the same time foster internal unity within the community. A small committee with representatives from different churches/denominations, with Fr Ronnie Prabhu as convener and secretary, was set up to give shape to the Forum.
On Friday June 19, representatives and leaders of several churches and denominations, 113 of them, met at the St Mark’s Cathedral (CSI) Hall for the inaugural meeting of the Forum. Believers Church Rev Jesu Prasad led the prayer, CSI Bishop Vasanthkumar welcomed the gathering, Archbishop Bernard Moras delineated the need and nature of the Forum; Archdiocesan PRO Fr Faustine Lobo explained the salient features of the Memorandum of Association and Rules of the Forum, FCCO Chairman Pastor Yeswanth Kumar dwelt on the common minimum faith and ethical commitment members should subscribe to.
Methodist Pastor Prabhakar Shadrack led the session on planning for the future. Archdiocesan secretary for Ecumenism, Fr A Nathan and CSI Rev Arokiasamy proposed the vote of thanks. Regional secretary for Ecumenism Fr Ronnie Prabhu conducted the proceedings.
The meeting, hosted by CSI Bishop Vasanthkumar, ended with prayer and a fellowship meal.