Media Release
Toronto, Oct 1 : It is heartening to see the unity of Christians in Canada displayed through various means to oppose the persecution, violation of human rights and the Governments inability to protect the rights of minorities in India. The Indo Christian community of Canada organised the protest meet at City Hall Square, Mississauga on September 20, 2008. The response was overwhelming. Around 550 attended this rally including prominent Indo-Christian community leaders, members of the clergy of various Christian denominations, youth activist from London, U.K and a large number of Into-Christians residing in Toronto, Canada.
An appeal was circulated during the rally and in many churches in Toronto, and thousands of signatures were collected to be sent to the Government Authorities in India.
A delegation of Indo-Christians headed by Max Mendes, Flavian Pinto, Vivek Veigas, Osbert D'Souza, Noel Pereira, William D'Souza and Nancy Mendes proceeded to Indian Embassy in Toronto on September 29th and handed over the Memorandum together with more than 3500 signatures to be forwarded to the President and Prime Minister of India. Similarly Petition sets were sent to the Prime Minister of Canada and Human Rights Commission in Switzerland.
The delegates met with Mr. Surender K. Aurora, Acting Consul General in Toronto and expressed their feelings on the atrocities against Christians and the failure of the State Government to protect the lives of the clergy and the minority community in various parts of India. The delegates also expressed concern that due to these communal violence, uncertainty by the government to provide basic security and law and order in India most of the Canadian business houses are showing signs of reluctance to invest and conduct business with India. This will have a serious effect on the business relations between the western world, predominantly Christian and fast growing Indian economy, unless a viable solution is brought into effect immediately.
Mr. Aurora expressed that this situation has been taken very seriously both by Central and State government and appropriate measures have been taken to avoid recurrence. He agreed to forward our petition to the Office of the Prime Minister and the President of India.
This is a "Wake up Call" for all the Indian Christians residing in various parts of the world to join together and give support to the minorities in India. Let the leaders follow the footprints of Mahatma Gandhi who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ and got independence for our country through Non Violence. Our hearts are with the Christians in Orissa, Mangalore, Kerala and other parts of India marred with communal violence. The Indo Christian community in Canada has pledged to support our brethren in India and especially the clergy and youth in Mangalore.