South Indian Orthodox Archbishop convenes peace summit

An archbishop in southern India has brought together Hindu, Muslim and Christian leaders in a meeting to promote peace in Kerala state.

This comes in response to a recent incident in which Islamic radicals chopped off the hand of a Catholic professor, T.J. Joseph, for allegedly insulting Islam in an exam question paper.

“It’s our duty to maintain harmony and mutual respect. That’s why we organized this meeting,” said Major Archbishop Baselios Mar Cleemis, head of the Kerala-based Syro-Malankara Church.

A statement issued after the meeting, which was held in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on July 31, appealed to leaders of all religions to fight the “divisive forces” that aim to destabilize society.

“No religion preaches communal hatred, but the attack on the professor has led to a communal polarization,” the statement said, adding that “no community should be isolated on the basis of stray incidents.”

The prelate said he regretted the recent “unfortunate happening,” which has proven the existence of “evil forces who scheme to divide and spread mutual hatred in the state.”

“This initiative for peace is a welcome sign,” said Imam Maulavi Jamaluddin, a local Muslim leader. “We have come together to say we deplore such violent criminal activities, which are against Islamic spirituality.”

When asked to comment on media reports that Christians in the area were planning to boycott Muslim businesses, he said “it’s a dangerous trend.”

(Published in UCAN News, August 2)