Golden Statue in Madya Pradesh

Christians no longer suffer from the persecutions of the Roman or Soviet Empires, but persecutions continue and many Christians suffer under unjust laws that try to force them against Christian living. Most of the attention on this subject is directed towards Muslim nations and groups but persecution also continues at the hands of Hindus in the Indian subcontinent. For example the government of Madya Pradesh in India is trying to impose a false god on all school age children in the state.

Mumbai, Jan 16, 2007 / 02:00 pm (CNA).- The practices of one religion should not be imposed on people of other religions, said a Catholic archbishop in response to a recent government decision to make a Hindu ritual compulsory in all public schools and colleges.

Archbishop Pascal Topno of Bhopal told the Indian Catholic News Service on Monday that he has nothing against Hindu rituals but "people from other communities should be given the freedom and the choice to say no to it.”

The Madhya Pradesh state government announced its decision to hold mass Surya Namaskar recitations in institutions across the state on Jan. 25. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation is a prayer offered to the sun god and a main component of yoga.

I don't about you but this reminds me of Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue that he demanded everyone to worship. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego came to no harm for their refusal to worship a false god. We should stand with Archbishop Topno against this decree. You can write in support to him at:

Archbishop Pascal Topno
33, Ahmedabad Palace Rd
Bhopal - 462 001
Madya Pradesh
India

After all, as it says in 1 COR 12, 26: "And if one member suffer anything, all the members suffer with it; or if one member glory, all the members rejoice with it." With an envelope, a letter and $0.84 for postage you can stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.