"The teachings of Lord Christ celebrate love, harmony, and brotherhood. It is important that we work to make this spirit stronger. But, it pains my heart when there are attempts to spread violence and cause disruption in the society. Just a few days ago, we saw what happened at a Christmas market in Germany. In 2019, churches in Sri Lanka were attacked. I went to Colombo to pay homage to those who lost their lives in the bombings. It is important to come together and fight such challenges," PM Modi said during the annual Christmas celebration.
This marks the first time the prime minister attended the CBCI's Christmas celebration and his presence was welcomed by Catholic leaders, with Archbishop Mar Andrews Thazrath calling it a "great occasion."
"Yesterday, we had the great occasion of the presence of PM Modi for the Christmas celebration organized by CBCI. It is really a recognition when PM Modi came for the Christmas celebration for the first time...We told the PM that we are happy that he has come," Archbishop Thazhath told ANI, according to India. "At the same time, we expressed our anguish regarding some of the attacks in different parts of India against Christians."
The Archbishop stated that PM Modi has been striving hard to ensure that all religions are respected in India, which is a fundamental right guaranteed in the Constitution of India.
"When some people are targeted or attacked, it is an attack on the Constitution," Thazhath said. "We wanted PM to do everything in such a way that people of all faiths are respected and given equal chances."
