The newly elected Christian MPs of the 15th Lok Sabha was on Thursday felicitated by the National United Christian Forum - an association of the Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches in India.
Exhibiting an all-pervading 'Indianness', the ceremony at the Constitution Club, New Delhi, celebrated the designation of Christian politicians in the recently held parliamentary elections.
The function with its opening prayer by Fr. Thomas A. Sequiera of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) welcomed at least 14 Christian MPs who were honored with bouquets and shawls.
Bishop D. K. Sahu, general secretary of the National Council of Churches, gave the welcome address in which he adulated the success of 2009 elections that resulted in overwhelming success of a secular party, particularly in the backdrop of scattered attacks on Christians.
He praised the recent education reforms and other new initiatives of the government, which he said was beaconing a fresh start.
Pointing that Christians have served the society equally without being "parochial", the Christian leader said, the church would continue to offer its support and serve all walks of life.
Addressing the gathering, Arcbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Oswald Gracias, praised India for holding a successful election as world's largest democracy and setting an example to countries.
"People of India have spoken. They have voted for an inclusive government that empowers the poor and can promise stability,” he added.
Extending all support, Cardinal Gracias urged the elected MPs to "not let our people down" and "we hope you will work selflessly for progress and development."
Those honored during the ceremony include: Thangso Baite; C. L. Ruala; Sanjoy Takam; Francisco Sardinha; Joseph Toppo; Helen Davidson; Jose K. Mani; P.T. Thomas; Anto Antony; K.V. Thomas; P.J. Kurian; P. C. Chacko; Oscar Fernandes; Jesudas Seelam and Shri Vincent Pala (Minister for State for Water Resources).
Most of the MPs who graced the event identified 'prayer' as the impetus for their success. They promised to work equally for all communities and in particular the poor and voiceless who need them the most.
C. L. Ruala Ji of Mizoram in a very poignant statement, said, "I contested for eight times but never received this overwhelming victory like in 2009. It was only by prayers that I could achieve this."
The event featured a 'Prayer for our Country' by India's first Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and consummated with Jana Gana Mana - India's national anthem.
Church
Church felicitates newly elected MPs, urges empowerment of poor
By: Dibin Samuel
Friday, 3 July 2009, 18:02 (IST)
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Added: Friday, 3 July 2009, 18:20 (IST)
It is very good to see the politicians thanking God for their success. Indeed we Christians have been praying long that God will appoint people who can serve the nation dutifully, without any bias. May God bless India!!
Father Thomas, Mumbai, India
Added: Friday, 3 July 2009, 23:20 (IST)
May another Kandhamal not happen. By the way why felicitating Oscar Fernandes? Has he ever done anything to the Christian community? I really wonder.
Bharat, India
Added: Tuesday, 7 July 2009, 15:10 (IST)
it is a matter of great happiness to see a good number of christian leaders in the indian parliament. As true followers of Christ, they shoud be the best examples for the rest of the M.Ps in the house.By their behaviour and attitude they should preach the message of peace and love of Christ. We pray that they may do something for this country during the coming five years. we wish them good luck .May god bless them and direct them through the right path. Elsy & George
george Njondimackal, jamshedpur, India
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