The Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, has expressed deep anguish in his New Year message over the growing insecurity among minority communities. He highlighted unwarranted attacks on Christians during Christmas celebrations as a painful indicator of this trend. Authorities have been urged to act decisively.
In Panaji, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, voiced profound concern in a New Year message issued on Wednesday about the persecution faced by minority communities. He noted a rising sense of insecurity in recent times, which contrasts with the nation's traditional peace-loving ethos that embraces diverse cultures and religions.
Ferrao specifically referenced unwarranted attacks on Christians during Christmas celebrations across several parts of the country. He stated, “While greeting you, I cannot but also express my deep anguish at the growing sense of insecurity being created, in recent times, among minority communities. The unwarranted attacks on Christians during the recent Christmas celebrations in several parts of our country are a painful testimony to this trend.”
The archbishop emphasized that such incidents not only inflict pain on Christian communities but also blatantly disregard the sacred values India has long upheld. He described it as a grave concern that, despite the Indian Constitution's mandate for free religious practice, communities face persecution for observing their cherished festivals, often with the tacit approval of authorities.
Ferrao appealed to authorities at all levels to fulfill their constitutional duties and moral responsibilities by acting decisively and impartially to bring perpetrators to justice, thereby restoring citizens' confidence in the nation's democratic principles. He also called on fellow Indians to unite against divisive forces and preserve national unity.
The message, released on January 1, 2026, underscores the importance of minority rights and religious harmony.
