Report and pics: Jessie Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Sep 10: Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (KUCF), which was inaugurated on June 19, 2008, held its general body meeting on Wednesday September 9, at Human Resource Centre, CSI Diocesan Office, Mission Road, Bangalore from 3 pm onwards. The heads of all the Christian denominations and the Commissions participated in the programme, sharing their views and bringing forth their suggestions. CSI Bishop Vasantha Kumar, who also was the host and is the patron, welcomed the gathering. Rev Johnson Unnithan of Mar Thoma Church led everyone in prayer.

Archbishop Bernard Moras, who is the patron and the president, introduced the Forum, its origin and purpose. He stated, “irrespective of the religious background, we all have come together under one roof, which is based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Common faith and understanding is drawn, in spite of theological differences, keeping in mind of our common minimum ethnic understanding. Some are accused rightly or wrongly and we know, most of them are not true at all. Even Mother Teresa was accused of conversions, when she treated leper patients and picked up the dying infants/children from the gutters. Sometimes, we are accused of disrespecting other religions. No one has any right to condemn any one. All should be allowed to exercise their faith. No one can convert any one, it is the Holy Spirit that touches the hearts of the people and gives them their convictions. Spirit of the Lord has brought us together that we may be one as I and Father God, Christ the Son and Holy Spirit all may be one”. 

There was a lot of sharing about this by the Bishops of all the faiths saying that if they do not preach, they will not be following their religion.

Bishop Taranath Sagar of Methodist church and patron, added concluding remarks. This was followed by  the proposing of vote of thanks by Pastor Jesu Prasad of Believers Church. Fr Ronnie Prabhu highlighted about forming zonal groups and zonal officials.  Fr Prabhakar Shadrack of Methodist briefed on memorandum of understanding, common minimum faith and ethics by Fr Samuel of New life, action plan for the next year by C Prabhakar while treasurer, Fr Arokiaswamy highlighted on the accounting part. Fr Faustine Lobo mentioned that Ecumenism is at its best, as all the sections are together and wanted everyone to like to be together. Final Benediction was by Bishop Prabhakar Rao of CSI.  High tea was served for all.