Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati said this week that in response to the persecution and attacks suffered by Catholics in India, “patience, discretion, moderation in reactions and a spirit of forgiveness manifested by the community have evangelizing power.”

During his intervention at the second General Congregation of the Synod of Bishops, the archbishop explained that “in many counties of Asia, Christians live under intense pressure.  Freedom is restricted, new converts are persecuted and the community of the faithful is the victim of persecutions, as has recently occurred in Orissa (India).”

In the midst of these difficulties, he said, “many of the teachings of Jesus that have come to us were imparted during normal encounters between persons.  This is what is happening today in Asia, in a silent but effective way, thanks to the effort of the Christian faithful who carry a message of peace in situations of conflict.”