APPEAL AGAINST ANTI-CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE IN INDIA AND INDONESIA

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2000 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope made an appeal for an end to violence against Christians in India and Indonesia:

"Unfortunately, the wave of ethnic-religious disorder that has swept Indonesia's Molucca Islands since January 1999 shows no sign of abating. The repeated armed and bloody attacks of Muslim extremists against Christian villages are provoking numerous victims and limitless ruin.

"Equally worrying news is coming from India where, recently, multiple acts of aggression have been perpetrated against Christian communities and other minorities; 'the worst,' say the bishops, 'since independence.'

"I renew my heartfelt appeal for an end to such brutal violence. I dare to hope that those who carry out and instigate such acts may understand that one cannot kill and destroy in the name of religion, or manipulate religion in accordance with personal interests. I ask the authorities to make every effort to improve the situation. I also request that everyone lay aside hatred and work tirelessly to re-establish religious harmony in mutual respect and love. I invite those of you present here to pray with faith for these intentions."

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