Empower the laity: Saldanha

Today, there is a need for urgent modification as it has now reached a point of virtual survival, said Justice M F Saldanha in his keynote address at the one-day Christian conclave on theme ‘Empower the Laity’.

Speaking on church attacks, Saldanha said that 338 false criminal cases are pending against several innocent Christians and he questioned the Church what has it done to ensure that these prosecutions are withdrawn. In Bangalore City alone, the churches have sold properties worth Rs 200 crore in the last 10 years. “I have serious reservation with regard to the usage of money. The properties should not have been sold, instead could have been used for the benefit of the community,” he said. He further pointed out that 79 per cent of MSEZ victims are poor Christians and alleged that the churches and the hierarchy has supported SEZ all the way.

Speaking on the topic ‘Vatican II and Cannon Law-Are they relevant today,’ Dr Joe A Lewis said that the Vatican Council is the council of Bishops and laity is hardly mentioned in few documents. In India, due to feudal traditions, Bishops rule the church, despite having pastoral councils, he said.