The Hindu : Karnataka News : ‘We look back with dismay, but look forward with hope’

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Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka

‘We look back with dismay, but look forward with hope’

Bageshree S.

Bernard Moras

Archbishop Bernard Moras spoke to The Hindu on the year that was and the year he looks forward to:

Last year was a traumatic year for the Christian community in Karnataka because of the attacks on churches. How do you look back?

The whole world watched with shock and dismay at a peace-loving community being disturbed and antagonised. Our faith calls us to endure suffering with great resilience, but also to stand up and speak against anything or anyone that hampers peace and creates communal disharmony. We do look back with dismay, but look forward with hope.

Have the events strengthened the community?

The purest gold goes through the hottest furnace. The best wool comes from sheep that lives in coldest places. God chooses his best soldiers from the highlands of affliction. Any trial is painful, but in the long run strengthens us.

Are you happy with the actions by the Government following the attacks?

The Christian community has waited for over a year for results of the inquiries that are on. We wait in anxiety to know who has been behind the church attacks and vandalism. Justice delayed is justice denied. I have received assurances from both the Government and the police. It is my fervent hope that these assurances get translated to reality soon.

What is your message for this year’s Christmas?

The essence of Christmas is to become ambassadors of peace and goodwill among all. I hope and pray that the New Year will see no accidents, no violence, no communal conflicts, no epidemics or viral diseases and no crime, because we have seen too much of it in 2009.

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