The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has issued a 13-page document against imposing Christian traditions on students of other faiths.
The document aimed to address the evolving socio-cultural, religious, and political landscape of India and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding amidst growing social and political challenges facing the Christian minority.
The CBCI’s document outlines several recommendations designed to embrace inclusivity and promote a harmonious coexistence of diverse religious beliefs within the educational framework.
Among the key suggestions are the daily recitation of the Preamble to the Indian Constitution during morning assemblies, the establishment of inter-religious prayer rooms on campus, and a general respect for all faiths and traditions.
These measures come in response to the increasing hostilities encountered by the Christian community in India, particularly from Hindu nationalist groups associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
India, home to around 14,000 Catholic schools, 650 colleges, seven universities, and numerous vocational and technical institutions under the CBCI’s purview, has seen a recent uptick in attacks and protests against Christian educational staff.
This turbulent backdrop prompted the CBCI’s proactive approach to ensuring that their educational institutions remain beacons of tolerance and inclusivity.
The timing of these guidelines is noteworthy, following closely on the heels of the Indian Home Ministry’s decision to revoke the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licenses of five prominent non-governmental organizations, predominantly Christian, accusing them of misusing foreign funds and engaging in religious conversions.
This move has significantly impacted the operational capabilities of these organizations, barring them from receiving or using foreign contributions pending license renewal.
