Christians sustain Indian Secularism, Chief Justice claims

A prominent Christian judge in India urged Christians to take the lead to make democracy a way of life for people in the country.

Cyriac Joseph, the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court was quoted by the UCA news as saying, “Parliamentary democracy has taken deep roots during India's 60 years of independence, but a democratic spirit and values do not yet govern and guide society."

Joseph asserted, Christian virtues and values motivate and help Indians accept democracy as a way of life.

Speaking at the opening day of the plenary held in Ranchi, December 1–3, attended by over 300 bishops, priests, and lay people, Joseph cited secularism as the mainstay of India's democracy.

"Indian secularism does not deny freedom of religion to any group, nor does it discriminate between different religious groups. Rather, it demands citizens respect religions besides their own and recognize others right to practice or not practice a religion," he explained.

The jurist wants the Church to motivate its people to become "catalysts" of Indian secularism.

"Christians play a major role in achieving the constitutional goal of shaping India as a truly sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic," emphasized Joseph, who said he is proud of his religious faith and nationality.

"They have a duty to prove they are better Indians and better citizens than anyone else," said Joseph.