NEW DELHI, INDIA (ANS) -- The Church in India has called upon all people, and specially Christians, to fully take part in the political democratic process, including exercising their voting rights in the coming General Elections.

The Community leadership which met in National Consultations in New Delhi last week reaffirmed its faith in democracy. It wants India to be strong and condemns terrorism, communalism, and casteism.

“It is deeply concerned at the rural crisis, urban poverty, and rise in unemployment, displacement in the SEZs and the plight of women and the girl child,” said a spokesperson after the meeting.

“The Church and the Christian Community also feels that democracy is strengthened if political parties speak out against corruption and communalism, human exploitation and assault on the dignity of women, Dalits, labour, children and minorities.

“The Christian community puts its own interests subservient to the interests of the Nation. But it feels that there are certain issues which are paramount – security of Religious Minorities, ending persecution of Christians in Orissa and other places, and punishment of those found guilty, rehabilitation of the displaced, compensation to the victims at par with that given in other states, proportionate share to Christians in funds and projects earmarked for all minorities, as also in government jobs, civil services, police and other services.”

The community has also demanded a National Commission on the lines of the Justice Rajender Sachhar for Muslims set up by the Union government to assess the economic deprivation of Dalit Christians, landless labour and tribals Christians, in particular.

The consultations were presided over by Archbishop Vincent Concessao. Participants included representatives from the Catholic Church, the National Council of Churches in India, the All India Christian Council, the All India Catholic Union, the Believers Church, Truthseekers International, Evangelical Fellowship of India, United Christian Action, and Independent and Pentecost Churches.

Prominent signatories included Bishop Mar Barnabas of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Bishop Simon John of the Believers Church and Dr. John Dayal, Member, National Integration Council, Government of India, and Secretary General, All India Christian Council, Council national secretary Sam Paul, Rev Sunil Sardar, Mr Vijayesh Lal and Advocate Lalsinglau.

Dr. Joseph D’souza, president of the All India Council said, “We encourage Christians in India and around the world to pray for the coming elections. Pray for the preservation of democratic institutions and religious freedom and the rights of the minorities and other marginalized sections of society and for a terror free India.”

The next general elections in India will be held in five phases beginning April 16th and counting of votes will start on May 16.