The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Holy Land sop likely for Christians

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Tuesday, Dec 19, 2006
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Holy Land sop likely for Christians

Special Correspondent

YSR promises to look into plea for pilgrimage subsidy at the United Christmas celebration

HO HO HO! Santa Claus offering chocolates to children at the Christmas celebrations organised by the United Christmas Celebrations Committee in Hyderabad on Monday. PHOTO: SATISH H.

HYDERABAD: A pilgrimage to the Holy Land by Christians with Government subsidy or sponsorship on the lines of Muslims' Haj is not far off in the State.

Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy promised to examine a proposal to this effect made by Rt. Rev. Marampudi Joji, Archbishop of Hyderabad, at the United Christmas celebrations organised jointly by Catholics and Protestants for the 28th year here on Monday evening.

Participating as chief guest, Dr. Reddy said the Government already had launched a scheme with separate budget to extend financial assistance to Christians to build churches.

Funds for churches

He said he would examine the possibility of subsidising pilgrimage to Holy Land from this Budget or by allotting separate funds. The budget for building churches would, however, be increased next year.

The Chief Minister also said his Government would put in its best efforts to accord Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians for reservations like in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

He said all global problems would wither away if one loved the other, the basic tenet of Christianity. Dr. Reddy cut a cake and released a souvenir.

A massive congregation heralded the Christmas season by singing carols before a life-size crib.

Rt. Rev Joji in his speech also pleaded for two seats for Christians in the upcoming Legislative Council to represent 60 lakh Christians in the State. Rt .Rev. Taranath S. Sagar, Bishop, Methodist Church, said opening prayers. Rt.Rev.B.P.Sugandhar of Church of South India, delivered Christmas message.

J. Reymond Peter, senior IAS officer, and chairman of the celebrations, spoke.

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