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Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Jesuit manifesto for Indian elections


Published : April 13 2009



"To reaffirm economic, social and cultural rights of the citizens along with civil rights"; this is the scope of the "manifesto" published by the Indian Jesuits on the occasion of the general elections for the federal parliament that will be held in the various Indian states between 16 April and 13 May.

It is the occasion, the manifesto says, to fight pessimism, especially among the poorest groups of the society. The manifesto is addressed to future leaders, who are invited to make a strong commitment to the rights of the weakest, the marginalized and discriminated, and to protect and preserve life and to promote peace and harmony while defending human rights.

The lengthy and detailed document was presented in New Delhi during a workshop that involved those from many parts of Indian civil society.

Among the priorities pointed out by the Jesuits there is also the need to defend and help the "caste-less" and the indigenous population, to assure peaceful coexistence, religious freedom and to guarantee the basic necessities, such as food, housing, education and health, to everyone, especially those in rural areas. The document calls for an improvement of the justice system and protection of religious freedom.

"Any attempt to inflame religious animosity and disrespect others or which alters the thinking of young people about Indian history and cultural differences has to be stopped", the document said.





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