Monday, September 8, 2008

Priest's Brother Forced to 'Reconvert'

Catholic Priest's Brother Forced to 'Reconvert' to Hinduism

Christians in Orissa face the choice between their Faith and Homes. While the State's police have been mere spectators in the continuing mayhem, survivors have been forced to flee to the state capital Bhubaneshwar.

Catholic priest Fr. Prabodha Kumar who reached the state capital received a troubling news report about his brother back home. Compass Direct reports:
Among those who have fled to Bhubaneswar was Father Prabodha Kumar, a Catholic priest who reached the Catholic Archbishop's House in Bhubaneswar after a seven-day journey from Onjamundi village in Kandhamal.

He was among other fearful sojourners at the house whose mobile phones constantly rang with news of more attacks from their relatives, friends and church members in interior villages of Kandhamal.

Fr. Kumar looked deeply troubled after one such phone call yesterday.

"My brother has been forced to 'reconvert' to Hinduism, as he was told that if he did not do so, his house would be destroyed," he said.

2 comments:

Wes Walker said...

While I cannot imagine the horrors you are experiencing, I know some of the names and faces. I have been to Orissa, quite some time ago, and have worshiped the Living God among them, even learning a song or 2 in the Kwee (spelling??) language. You are in our prayers, and many in my country are also contacting representatives of our own governments and yours.

I offer you the only consolation I can, that of Scripture: from the letter to the Hebrews, 10th Chapter...

33sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37For,

(I) "Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him."

39But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Anonymous said...

Try www.sjcmediawatch.blogspot.com