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Bhopal: The members of Christian Adikar Manch,
(CAM), expressed deep regret and apologized for the
symbolic protest prayer organized in front of the
catholic School and for highlighting the stray incidents
that took at times in Catholic Schools.
The apology was tendered on 11 July 2009 in a joint
meeting of Representatives of St. Joseph Senior
Secondary School, Idgah Hills, Bhopal, Members of
Christian Adikar Manch (Christian Right Protection
Group), and Office bearers of Archdiocese was held at
Archbishop's House in Bhopal, under Chairmanship of the
Archbishop Dr. Leo Cornelio.
Sheela Shantiago (President of the CAM) said , " We do
say sorry for the unpleasant incident that took place on
July 06. We believe that it has created a feeling that
Christians are divided in Bhopal, it is not true… we are
one. It was only a misunderstanding that erupted due to
lack of communication between the school authorities and
the CAM. We assure that such incidents will never take
place in Bhopal."
Meanwhile, on behalf of the sisters of St. Joseph, the
Principal stated, "The news item flashed in UCAN News ,
CBCP news, Indian Catholic website and the report given
by the PRO Office at Bhopal do not carry the truth. The
news is totally biased and based on a figment of
imagination. The protest and the news items appeared are
outburst of personal revenge which are blown out of
proportion so that they could tarnish the impeccable
image of a group of missionaries – namely, St. Joseph
Sisters who have rendered human services in Madhya
Pradesh over decades. We give 100% admission to
Christian / Catholic students."
Briefing about the outcome of the joint meeting
Archbishop Dr. Leo Cornelio Said, "God is kind and
forgiving; in His name we should forgive each other,
following the example of Christ our good Shepherd. The
Sisters, though they feel deeply hurt, will, I am sure,
forgive them as well. At the same time, I would like to
add that the allegations levelled against the St. Joseph
Secondary School and the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Chambery, by the so called `Christian Adikar Manch'(CAM),
is highly exaggerated. This Congregation of Sisters has
been serving the people of this area for several decades
and people have good appreciation for their contribution
to the Church and the civil society. That the CAM has
put the school in poor light is sad and unfortunate. The
protesters by their action have blown out of proportion
their grievances. Besides, the 'Christian Adhikar Manch'
does not have any ecclesiastical approval in the
Archdiocese." The Archbishop also said, "There is a
healthy and cordial relation among the laity, religious
and clergy in the Archdiocese. We have stood together in
many challenging situations and this single rare
incident should not be misinterpreted by people. The
Laity has due place in all activities in the Church and
we will continue to work together for the welfare of
Christian community and the human society."
Agreeing to the Archbishop CAM coordinator Jerry Paul
said, "It is very unfortunate that we did not consult
the Archbishop but sent the Memorandum by Registered
Post. It created a communication gap between us. Some
issues raised in the memorandum are not true and after
the meeting we realized that we did not have sufficient
and true information about many things."
Referring to the allegations regarding the news, PRO
Office clarified that all the news items appeared in
various web sites including report send from the PRO
Office clearly say that the school authorities were not
available for commends. So it would not be justifiable
to say that the news is one sided. Yet it is said to
have created a feeling that this office has rushed the
news which caused damage. So I feel that it is proper
from our part to apologize for it," said, Fr. Anand
Muttungal, the Public Relations Officer.
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