Leaders of Syro-Malabar Church meet PM Modi, discuss issues facing Christian minorities
Sources said the delegation appreciated PM Modi’s assurance and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
Sources said the delegation appreciated PM Modi’s assurance and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
Sources said the delegation appreciated PM Modi’s assurance and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described his meeting with Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil, the head of the Syro-Malabar Church, Archbishop Dr Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, and other senior Church leaders, as a “wonderful interaction” after the delegation met him in New Delhi to discuss issues concerning the Church and the Christian community in India.
During the meeting, which was described as cordial and constructive, the Prime Minister stated that he was always at their service.
The delegation, led by Major Archbishop Thattil, included Archbishop Bharanikulangara of the Faridabad Archdiocese and other bishops representing the Syro-Malabar Church — the most influential among the three Churches in Kerala that owe allegiance to the Pope.
The discussions, which took place in the pressence of Kerala BJP leaders such as State President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and party leader Shone George focused on the welfare of Christian minorities and their role in India’s social and developmental framework.
Chandrasekhar later told reporters that the meeting was largely a courtesy call, during which the bishops raised broader concerns relating to micro-minority rights and community development.
“The Prime Minister listened attentively and assured the delegation that the government is open to dialogue on all issues,” the State President said.
“We do not see things through a religious prism. Our party serves all people, and the rule of law will always prevail. The BJP is, and will remain, a party of service,” he added.
The bishops also submitted a request to the Prime Minister to invite the Pope to India.
Sources said the delegation appreciated PM Modi’s assurance and expressed hope for continued cooperation in areas such as education, social welfare, and community engagement.
The meeting comes amid the Church’s growing engagement with national political leadership, reflecting an evolving dialogue between faith-based institutions and the government on issues of minority welfare, social harmony, and participatory development.
(With IANS inputs.)