India's Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCI) has issued guidelines urging its affiliated schools to embrace religious inclusivity, amidst mounting societal and political tensions. The directive emphasizes refraining from imposing Christian customs on students of other faiths and promoting harmony in the wake of increasing hostility towards the minority community.
Outlined in a comprehensive 13-page document, the CBCI urges educational institutions under its purview to uphold the principles of religious tolerance, advocating for practices such as reciting the Preamble to the Indian Constitution during morning assemblies and establishing inter-religious prayer rooms on school premises. This initiative aims to navigate the challenges arising from the current socio-cultural and political landscape in the country.
In recent times, Christians in India, particularly those associated with educational establishments operated by Catholic entities, have encountered various forms of aggression and demonstrations from Hindu nationalist factions aligned with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
With approximately 14,000 schools, 650 colleges, seven universities, and numerous vocational and technical institutions under its umbrella, the CBCI plays a significant role in the education sector.
The release of the guidelines coincides closely with the Indian Home Ministry's decision to revoke the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licenses of five prominent non-governmental organizations, the majority of which have Christian affiliations. Accused of violating regulations regarding foreign grants and involvement in religious conversion activities, these organizations, along with more than 100 others, faced license cancellations by the ministry. Following the expiration of a six-month extension granted in September 2023, these NGOs lost their licenses, rendering them ineligible to receive or utilize foreign contributions unless their licenses are renewed.
In response to these developments, Father Maria Charles SDB, the national secretary of CBCI, emphasized the importance of heightened sensitivity within Catholic schools. He highlighted the necessity for principals to exercise greater awareness, considering that a significant portion of students and faculty belong to diverse religious backgrounds. Father Charles underscored the need for vigilance in navigating the evolving political and social landscape, ensuring that educational institutions remain inclusive and respectful of all faiths.
This directive comes against the backdrop of the Indian government's denial, in December 2021, of a renewal request for the foreign donation license of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity under FCRA regulations.
In light of escalating tensions and challenges facing the Christian minority, the CBCI's guidelines serve as a proactive measure to foster religious harmony and safeguard the ethos of inclusivity within educational institutions.
