Media Release

Shivamogga, Nov 12: Demanding the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, popularly known as the Anti-Conversion Act, thousands of Christians belonging to various denominations and rites from Shivamogga, Davangere and Chitradurga districts participated in a peaceful silent procession in Shivamogga on Thursday, November 12.

The march was organised by the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (KUCFH), represented by its Shivamogga, Davangere and Chitradurga zones.

The procession began at 9:30 am in front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Shivamogga, where a large gathering of priests, pastors, religious men and women, and faithful from different Christian communities assembled. Participants included members of the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara rites of the Bhadravathi and Puttur dioceses, along with the faithful of the Latin diocese of Shivamogga.

Simon Pinto, president of KUCFH, welcomed the gathering and briefly explained the purpose of the silent procession, highlighting the need to repeal the Anti-Conversion Act. He also gave important instructions to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the march. Stany D'Souza, representing the diocese of Shivamogga, led the opening prayer and invoked God's blessings upon the gathering. Joseph Thotankara, vicar general of the diocese of Bhadravathi, officially flagged off the procession by waving the papal flag in the presence of P D Yesudass, president of the District Pastors' Association, and other Christian leaders.

The silent march proceeded through the main streets of Shivamogga city, passing along B H Road, Amir Ahmad Circle, Gopi Circle and Court Circle, before reaching the office of the deputy commissioner. Banners, placards and vehicles equipped with public-address systems at the beginning and end of the procession effectively conveyed the purpose and demands of the gathering to the public.

One of the highlights of the march was the impressive participation of nearly 3,000 people, including numerous priests, pastors, religious men and women, and lay faithful representing various Christian denominations.

Upon reaching the deputy commissioner's office, Veeresh Moras, public relations officer of the diocese of Shivamogga, explained the concerns regarding the Anti-Conversion Act and highlighted the important points contained in the memorandum. The memorandum, addressed to the chief minister of Karnataka through the deputy commissioner of Shivamogga district, called upon the state government to repeal the Act.

Stany D'Souza and other religious dignitaries formally submitted the memorandum to the deputy commissioner, who received it on behalf of the government. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, following which the participants dispersed peacefully.

The silent procession stood as a united expression of the Christian community's concern and its appeal for the protection of constitutional rights, religious freedom and the dignity of every citizen.