Card. Martino, in South Asia Churches committed to fighting discrimination
Bangalore (AsiaNews) – The systematic discrimination of some groups such as the Dahlit, tribes and ethnic minorities, sexual discrimination and the increasing impoverishment of particularly vulnerable groups, a consequence of globalization: these are the main themes of the talks on discrimination in South Asia which ended today in Bangalore, India.
It is the first encounter organised by a Forum for Justice and Peace in Southern Asia, dedicated to such objectives and grouping together 5 nations: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and India. Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, president of the pontifical council for justice and peace, addressed the summit and commented on its success to AsiaNews.
“The colloquium – said the prelate - was a marvellous idea, to discuss the problems of Asia and in particular South Aisa we can hope that at the conclusion, the decisions and outcomes will be spread all around so that they may be helpful to all the local Church in South Asia. We hope that the deliberations will enable those involved in the filed of Justice and Peace to work in their countries to overcome injustices and abuses”.
In The issue of discrimination of Dalit Christians is specific to India and often for others, the question arises whether there is injustice in the Church itself.
“Christians should be united in working for Justice in respect of the Human Person and Human Rights . Belief in the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all Catholic social teaching. It is fundamentally important that all human rights are unequivocally respected , we cannot choose one human right over the other human rights, they are irreconcilable and we have make sure that every persons are entitled to Human Dignity and Human Rights. More importantly every person respects every human right. The Dignity of human person is above all things and whose rights and duties are universal and inviolable”.
In India we have a major problem of Female foeticide.
“Abortion is committed against those who are weakest and most defenseless, those who are genuinely "the poorest of the poor. It is preposterous that discrimination of women starts and begins from the womb of the mother herself. Women are half of humanity and without women there are absolutely no future, we cannot live without women. Women must be respect starting from the wombs of the mother”.
Are you satisfied with the way the Church is involved with the Social Justice issues in India ?
“In every country, there is good and there is something to be improved upon, so I would not like to single out any area and issue which must be improved. Everybody must work with cooperation and collaboration with other Church agencies in order to contribute constructively to the common good.. By common good, I emphasise, without any discrimination on the basis of caste gender or race. We have a responsibility to contribute to the good of the whole society, to the common good. Every one must work for the dignity of the Human person and for a society where Justice Truth and Peace prevails.. Human dignity can only be realized and protected in the context of relationships with the wider society, realiszing our dignity and rights in relationship with others, in community”.
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