AMRITSAR A delegation of Roman Catholic Churches on Monday met Akal Takht Sahib jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh and raised concern over the unfair activities being carried out in Punjab by the fake pastors, fake prophets and self-styled Christian missionaries in the name Christianity. 

The meeting was held as these activities are hitting ties between Sikhs and Christians, which are minorities in India and victim of State atrocities. It was held amid the controversy over organizing huge gathering in the name of “crusades” by some self-styled pastors and prophets.

Led by John Grewal,  Director, Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue and Diocese of Jalandhar, the delegation extended solidarity with the Sikhs against using ‘crusade’ word for congregations, spreading hatred against other religions and conversion of Sikhs to Christianity with unfair means by these so-called pastors.

In presence of the Sikh leaders, the delegation handed over a letter to the jathedar.

The letter reads, “It has been brought to our attention to the recent happenings at various concerns of Punjab regarding certain issues like conversion, crusades etc…which have rightly provoked the sentiments of the Sikh community. First of all, we would like to inform you that the leaders of the Main line churches under the title of Masih Maha Sabha are working together to chalk out a common policy with regard to these contentious issues. We would make it clear that we condemn the activities of those who promote animosity towards other religions, thereby fomenting discord in Punjab”.  

 “After the Vatican Council II, the Churche’s approach to the non-Christian religions is one of the openness and respect. The Pople has spoken against any type of forced conversions. Conversion is personal. Every individual has the freedom to choose his faith and way of life. As the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, the Pope’s perspective carries significant weight and influence among believers and non-believers alike. The Catholic Church is totally against conversion by force”, it reads.

It reads, “Further, the Catholic Church foes not believe in the vocabulary of war (crusade), hatred and vengeance. We believe in peaceful co-existence. And we totally disassociate ourselves from anyone — even if they be from other Christian denominations—who preach hatred and vengeance…We have lived in peace and harmony all these years with our Sikh brethren”.

 “I request for prayers so that we are able to work together. We are all with Sikhs to eradicate unhealthy elements which disturb us”, said Grewal. 

It is worth mentioning here that conversion of the Sikhs and Hindus into Christians is a big issue in Punjab. These fake pastors and prophets are managing this conversion by using unfair means and luring the underprivileged sections of the Sikhs. Despite the Sikh leaders raising objections over it, these activities are going on unabated. 

The delegation also invited the jathedar along with Sikh delegation to visit Vatican city to have a meeting with the Pope. The jathedar appreciated these joint efforts against these anti-social elements which are hitting traditions of both Sikhi and Christianity.