Cardinal says Vatican scandals are emptying India’s churches

"I can see and feel churches getting emptier." Cardinal Teleshore Placidus Toppo speaks frankly about the recent Vatican leaks, their impact on the Church in India and the vexed question of religious freedom and persecution.

Fabio Marchese Ragona
Vatican City
February 21, 2012

Catholic Church News Image of Cardinal says Vatican scandals are emptying India’s churches

“Whoever does a thing like this is not a real Christian. Here in India we were really sad to hear about the letters.” The comment was made by 72 year old Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, in North-Eastern India, who spoke with a steady voice and a tone that sounded almost reproachful.

According to the latest report published by the Catholic Secular Forum, 2141 Christians suffered violence, persecution and discrimination in India, in 2011.

The cardinal came to Rome to take part in the consistory called by Pope Benedict XVI. He said this was a great moment of celebration with the Holy Father and the 22 newly created cardinals, but at the same time, it is a moment to reflect on the events going on in the Roman Curia.

So, Eminence, the news about the Secretariat of State’s leaked letters has reached India as well?

Yes, the news reached us very quickly and we were greatly saddened by it. Whoever is responsible for this does not lead a true Christian life.

Did cardinals in the consistory talk about it at all?

Many of the older cardinals spoke about it and said on a number of occasions: “We stand by the Pope.” But it is not just a matter of talking about unity. It also needs to be put into practice. Otherwise what is the point in us being created cardinals? Certainly in order to stand by the Pope and help him in the administration of the universal church.

Full Story: The Church’s scandals are having serious repercussions on Christians in India

Source: Vatican Insider/La Stampa

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Harsit Garg

Thank you
Your blog is very nice and informative.
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Christopher Rosario

th churches are emptying not because of what is happening in rome but becuase the catholic clergy arre teaching people to worship the catholic church rather than worshiping the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. as a result of the foundation not being strong in Christ, the people leave the institution. lets get the foundation right and that depends on the the local clergy putting more effort inot their sermons and making sure that the people understand the true message of Christ. it is easy to point the fingure at someone else, but remember there are three other fingures pointing at you.
mummi

The Indian Cardinal is frankly exercising a cover up by accusing some leaks taken place in Vatican. It is true that churches in some areas may be fund where the EPISCOPAL power is used to exploit and suppress the genuine concern of the Christian members. It is only in India priests are accused as murderers and are hand over to the Police for a tortured confession,
when they don’t dance in tune with Episcopus. Some of them have no money to pay the earned wages of their workers, but have money to travel to China, Mongolia, Taiwan, Phuket , Bangkok and so on…….