Description

his book makes a critical study of the phenomenon of communal violence in Gujarat, especially the /olence against Christians in angs. and shows how the religious fundamentalism coupled with politics can be detrimental to the great virtues, such as secularism and religious pluralism, enshrined in the Constitution of India. It not Only brings out the rodt causes behind the violence but also provides some solutions to avoid fsuch incidences in the future.
Fr. S. Appathurai is a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Ahmedabad, He holds a Bachelorn degree in Education and a Masters degree hu English Literature from Gujarat Universff and Masters degree in Theology trom Jn n; • Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune. He also holds a Diploma in Christian Spirituality from Bangalore. At present he is actively involved inistry of St. Joseph’s Parish, Maninagar,

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
Chapter I
Communal Violence Against Christians In Gujarat
Chapter II
Different Responses Of The Church In Gujarat
To Communal Violence In Dangs
2.1 RESPONSES OFTHE HIERARCHY
2.1.1 Responses of the Hierarchy Prior to Dec. 25, 1998
2.1.1.1 Meetings
2.1.1.2 Representations To The Government
2.1.2 Responses of the Hierarchy after 25 Dec. 1998
2.1.2.1 Meetings
2.1.2.2 Press Releases
2.1.2.3 Representations To The Government
2.2 RESPONSES OF THE THEOLOGIANS
2.2.1 Responses of the Gujarat theologians
2.3 RESPONSES OFTHE LAITY
2.3.1 Responses of the Affected
2.3.1.1 Rally 63
2.3.1.2 Representation To The Government.
2.3.1.3 Cooperation To Establish Peace
2.3.2 Responses of the Non-Affected
2.4 A CRITIQUE OFTHE DIFFERENT RESPONSES OF THE CHURCH IN GUJARAT
2.4.1 Salient features of the responses
2.4.2 Limitations of the responses
1.1 DANGS DISTRICT – A PROFILE
1.2 EVENTS PRECEDING THE COMMUNALVIOLENCE
1.2.1 Attacks on Christians
1.2.2 Anti-Christian Pamphlets
1.2.3 Attacks on Churches and Prayer Halls
1.2.4 Trishul Investiture Ceremony
1.2.5 Role of the Of ficial Machinery
1.3 COMMUNAL VIOLENCEFROM 25™DEC. 1998
TO 3RU J AN. 1999
1.3.1 Hindu Jagran Manch Organises a Rally
on Chistmas Day 28
1.3.2 Attacks on Tribal Christians
1.3.3 Attacks on Tribal Christian Houses or Shops
1.3.4 Attacks on Christian Institutions
1.3.5 Churches Burnt or Destroyed
1.3.6 Churches Attacked and Damaged
A Theological Response Of The Church In Gujarat
To Communal Violence
3.1 JESUS AND VIOLENCE
3.1.1 The First-Century Palestine
3.1.2 Radical Response of Jesus to Violence
3.1.2.1 Concerning Retaliation
3.1.2.1.1 Turn the Other Cheek
3.1.2.1.2 Give the Inner garment
3.1.2.1.3 Go the Second Mile
3.1.2.2 Cleansing The Temple
3.1.3 Christie Love as Kenosis
3.1.3.1 Forgiveness And Identification With The Anawim
3.2 CHALLENGES FOR THE CHURCH IN GUJARAT IN ESPONDING TO COMMUNAL VIOLENCE
3.2.1 A Renewed Vision of Reality 86
3.2.1.1 Healing The Wounds Of Hurt And Division Through Kenosis
3.2.1.2 Addressing The Grievances Of
The Hindus Through Dialogue
3.2.1.2.1 Dialogue of Life
3.2.1.2.2 Dialogue of Action
3.2.1.2.3 Dialogue of Religions
3.2.1.2.3.1 Dialogue Of Theology
3.2.1.2.3.2 Dialogue Of Religious Experience
3.2.1.3 Deleting Cultural Alienation Through Inculturation
3.2.1.4 Evangelisation To Restore The Lost Original Harmony
– -3 SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICAL APPLICATION
3.1 Creating Awareness 3-3.2 Participation 3-3.3 Cooperation CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY