A Hindu-Christian meet was held at Kochi on September 29 at the initiative of Kerala Catholic Bishops? Council (KCBC) and Catholic Bishops Council of India (CBCI). Leading Bishops from various Christian churches, prominent sannyasis of various mutts and leaders of RSS, VHP etc. participated in the free and frank exchange of ideas, which was initiated in the background of murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in Orissa and resultant riots.
The joint resolution at the end of the meet was a milestone and forerunner for emulation throughout the nation.
The resolution says: ?We call for an end to religious conversions by force or persuasion, by exploiting poverty or ignorance. Conversion by force and insult to sacred symbols of other religions would do away with communal harmony existing in the state. Each individual has the right to believe in the religion of his choice. Forcing a person to join another religion is not at all, desirable. An individual should not be denied his right and freedom to believe in his own religion. Insulting another religion'ssacred symbols is not right.?
Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop Baselios Clemis, Archbishop Daniel Acharuparambil, Paulose Mar Pakonios, and Joseph Mar Gregorios represented the various Christian churches. Swami Chidanandapuri, Swami Viveka-nandan Saraswathi, Swami Jnana-mirthanandapuri, Swami Ritamba-ranandaa representing Chinmaya Mission, Amritanandamayi Mutt, Sivagiri Mutt etc. represented the Hindu side. RSS/VHP leaders PEB Menon, AR Mohanan, Kummanam Rajasekharan, Prof. Sasikala also took part in the historic meet.
Decision was taken to organise such meets periodically and to be in constant dialogue.
