UCA News
Contribute

Caritas disputes minister's assertion

NGOs told they should not meddle in matters that negatively affect the state
Caritas disputes minister's assertion
Speakers at the anniversary of Caritas
Published: January 20, 2012 09:42 AM GMT
Updated: January 23, 2012 07:14 AM GMT

The international head of Caritas today refuted a call by a minister for social organisations not to take positions detrimental to the state. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of Caritas, Michel Roy, secretary general of Caritas Internationalis, said the Church takes a position only when circumstances are damaging to the poor in particular and people in general. He said the role of Caritas was to create solidarity between peoples – “a secularised, united India in faith in God”. The Church takes positions to carry the voices of the poor and not to create rebellion of any kind, he said. He was answering a federal minister, Jairam Ramesh, who said such organisations quite often tend to overstep the dividing line by taking positions detrimental to the state. “At times we have to make some concessions for the larger good of community,” Ramesh claimed. Welcoming the delegates to the two-day golden jubilee celebrations Bishop Peter Remigus, chairman Caritas India, said “our main job is to create awareness – what we are for the people and what advocacy and justice can do to the poorest of the poor.”

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia