Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA, June 6, 2009: The Catholic Church in Kerala has issued a pastoral letter urging its flock to keep away from new movements that promise miracles and spread abhorrence for Hinduism.
The letter says though the Catholic Church preaches only Jesus, it does not disregard what is true or divine in other religions–and the Bible even teaches to treat other religions with respect. However, the new groups “teach that evil spirits would come if one offers flowers, uses pictures of elephants or peacocks, or lights lamps. They are spreading the message that by using things which other religions consider sacred, sins would come to the devotee. All this show only their abhorrence for Hindu religion.” The letter names at least seven such sects in the state.
The Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC) responded sharply, terming the letter a “desperate act” by the Catholic Church to stem the loss of its flock. “Large numbers of Catholics are leaving for other new-life sects and this was worrying them as their very existence is in danger,” said IPC president K M Joseph.