Christian Schools - Their importance

Linda Rodrigues of Loretto, Darjeeling, has put forth her views regarding the discussion we have been having on the ongoing problem in Orissa and Karntaka.
I feel what she has to say is very important and so have posted on our blog

Radheshyam

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

Beginning with Mr. Advani, let every Hindu who has been through the Christian schools systems stand up and speak for what is the truth. When they came to our schools for admission were they lured by inducements? Were they offered money or land or food or did they come because they knew they would get the total dedication of the priests or nuns or the teachers so carefully chosen by the schools.

How many Hindu parents have stood in front of our schools for days, from early in the morning to be able to get an admission form? Were they forced?

Were they forced to go to Catechism class or did they have a separate Moral Science class? How many of them became Christian or know of someone who was coercered into becoming a Christian?

St Josephs School celebrates 150 years and students have come from all over for the celebrations. Let every one of them stand up and be counted. Speak up now for what they know is the truth.

Who are the majority of people who go to our hospitals, to our esteemed institutions the St Xavier s, Loyolas, and the dozens of Christian Institutions in every city and town. Are they Christian?

Who are the people who want to do away with the minority quota in our own institutions?

And who are the people who go to work among the poorest of the poor? What did Mother Teresa offer to the dying destitutes she picked up from the streets? What of the hundreds of nuns and priests who work unsung in places where most of us fear to tread. They preach their faith in their lives. That they feed and care for these poorest of the poor is their vocation. We know the Christian definition of 'neighbour' from the parable of the Good Samaritan. Perhaps we should sing it louder for all to hear.

Most people in this country know us Christians for what we are. That is why when I've returned the extra money wrongly returned to me by a trader he asks 'Are You a Christian?' These is a small but potent fringe group who wish to reap a harvest of votes. I say appeal to the majority thru the newspapers and media.

Stand up and speak up for us now I say to the majority community.

We should all gather in out respective parishes on a given day and time and pray together to show our solidarity with our beleagured brethren. I don't think we should make any kind of march or in anyway upset the fragile rhythm of this overcrowded city. Do it quietly in our own premises making certain all parishoners are present in every Christian Church.

Pass this on, see what others have to add and say.

Following is from Minoo Avari

This religion thing is getting out of hand. Having just come from India I can tell you that there is provocation on both sides. The current parish priests are not what you and I experienced: on the contrary, they are vicious, greedy and termed Parish Beasts by members of their own community! It is a great pity but I'm afraid there has to be give on take on both sides. Sorry if I have ruffled any feathers but I've had my own brush ups with the Church in Kodaikanal and it's like going up against the Mafia. The priest says, and I'll quote, "I obey no law except God's law!"
Having just spoken with God I'm sure he has the latest take... and it is this attitude that is getting Churches burned and innocent people killed. Inflated egos amongst the clergy, competition between religions... you know, they ought to ban the dash thing. Instead of comfort and solace there is only pain, insecurity and intolerance. We can do without these stupid things.
Cheers,

Minoo (Avari)