Various Christian denominations in Odisha held a meeting this month to discuss the situation of their community and to present their demands to the government in the eastern Indian state.
The gathering, which was held on January 7 in the state capital of Bhubaneswar, was initiated by community leaders and the Nabin Bodonaik Foundation.
About 300 Christian leaders from across the state attended the event.
“The main objective of the conclave is to unite the Odisha Christian community beyond the denominational barriers and to promote consistent dialogue with the government machinery concerning the issues and challenges of the Christians in Odisha and seek permanent solutions to the challenges faced,” said Manoj Bodonaik, one of the event organizers.
The gatherin presented the following demands to the government of Odisha:
- government set up a Minority Commission in the state to look into the issues of Christians and minority communities
- state government to include Dalits Christians under the Scheduled Caste list to provide reservations for Dalits Christians in jobs, education, and legislature.
- renovation and restoration of Christian churches and institutions
- the administration to provide adequate protection for the Christian community against religious persecution
- the government to provide land for burial grounds of the Christian community
- reservations for Dalit Christians in areas of Dalit Christians
From a report on Matters India
