Author: TNN
Publication: The Times of India
Date: August 20, 2007
URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Hyderabad/Christian_groups_up_in_arms/articleshow/2293078.cms
A storm may be brewing what with Christian
groups having decided to challenge the Andhra Pradesh government's order 747
that bans propagation of any religion other than Hinduism in Tirupati and
other specified temple areas. A case is expected to be filed in the AP High
Court shortly on the grounds that provisions of GO 747 are being "misused"
and that it is "unconstitutional." The Christian groups would move
the court that the GO notified in June this year be struck down as it "supports
and promotes Hindutva forces."
Interestingly, the GO was issued by the government
led by Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (who is a Christian) after allegations of missionary
activities in Tirupati. Whatever be the veracity of these allegations, probably
the chief minister being a Christian did not want to be at the centre of a
possible controversy that could accuse him of indirectly supporting missionary
activities, aver analysts. Hence the ban GO, they reason.
The GO bans propagation of non-Hindu religions
around 20 famous temple towns in the state. The GO also prohibits any political
or election activity in the area.
The groups planning to go to court claim that
the GO is lending itself for easy misuse by extremists. "A 64-year-old
in Kanipakam (where there is a Ganesh temple) near Chittoor was arrested and
manhandled just because he was a Christian and praying," claims Bangalore-based
Sajan George, president, Global Council for Indian Christians, who was in
Chittoor last week holding demonstrations against the GO. Chittoor town is
75 km from Tirupati.
Significantly, these groups that represent
various Christian denominations, will question how the GO is primarily illegal
as it flouts the fundamental right to religion guaranteed in the constitution.
"The freedom of religion allows people to 'profess, practise and propagate'
their faith, but not convert," notes Bhaskar Benny, president of Christian
Front., who says the GO is only introducing "religious apartheid"
in the state.
Benny questions that if such a rule is not
applicable to other Hindu pilgrim destinations such as Haridwar, why should
an exception be made for temple towns in Andhra Pradesh.
Besides, "fundamental rights are supposed
to be respected as long as we are citizens of this country," says Rev.
Matthews E Thaphapudi, professor of Old Testament, Andhra Christian Theological
College, adding that the GO is questioning not only this right but also the
constitution.
He further states that the GO is politically
motivated and is pandering to people of one particular faith.
What upsets some is another misinterpretation of the GO that along with the
ban on preaching, even social work by other faiths is not being allowed in
the temple towns listed in the government order (though the GO makes no mention
of any such ban).
"As we don't allow Hindus to preach Hinduism,
it is fine if they don't allow us to preach near their temples. We have to
live in harmony. But, not allowing social work is not right," says T
Isaac, chairman of the Canadian Baptist churches of Northern Circar.
