We are working towards Nation Building and not Conversion – Bishop Lawrence During Catholic Maha Samavesh 2020
Mangaluru: “We are Christians by faith but are Indians. We love our country and are working towards nation-building. Service is our mission, Conversion is not our aim”, said the Bishop of Beltangady Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy during the Catholic Maha Samavesh 2020 held at Madanthyar here on January 2.
Addressing the gathering Dr Lawrence said, “The Christian community has given good education to the people of the society, health services and also other services, we never indulge in conversion. We have 2000 years of history and are the children of this land. No one has the right to question our citizenship, identity or belief”.
Dr Lawrence further said, “We need to build our nation with truth and justice. We should not support those who try to divide the country. The Christian community should get political and social justice. We have organized the Maha Samavesh to unite our community. We are united with Jesus Christ and the Christian faith. we believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ which is humanity. There is no meaning for any religion when there is no humanity. There are intellectuals, experts, Scientists, sportspersons and political leaders who have studied in Christian institutions, we never tried to convert any of them nor have they converted to Christianity. We respect all religions. Being the citizens of this country we will continue our service and no one will stop us from doing it”.
Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha addressing the gathering said, “We are Indians and from past 2000 years being the followers of Christ we have created history by leading a peaceful and respectful life. We should give importance to humanity in our personal and social life. We believe in our constitution, uniting the people in the society is Godly work and those who are dividing the people are not doing religious work. We are committed to following the constitution in building our nation.”
Dr Peter further said, “Those who are serving the nation do not get the respect they deserve which is not right. Some anti-social elements are trying to create enmity among people. We need to be alert to maintain peace, harmony and brotherhood.”
