MAPUSA
Applauding the statement of Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao against utterances on other religions, the BJP on Sunday called for strong action against people of any faith who make statements against another religion.
Former St Andre MLA Fransic Silveira said nobody should hurt sentiments of other religions and any attempts to disturb communal harmony should be condemned.
“The government should take action against any persons who hurt sentiments of any religion. Action should happen so that such things are not repeated. We should not hurt sentiments of other religions but strive to preserve harmony,” said Silveira, who is also the chairman of Goa State BJP Finance Minority Corporation.
Silveira was addressing the media along with former Aldona MLA and party spokesman Glen Ticlo, North Goa District Vice President Franky Carvalho and ex-sarpanch of Agassaim Xavier Gracias.
The former St Andre MLA said it was very distressing when church leaders speak against other religions.
“It hurts us when certain leaders in the church speak against other religions. God is one. Religion is made by us humans. Our Archbishop has given a good statement. We thank the Archbishop for his stand on the sensitive issue,” he said.
Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, on Saturday, expressed regret on certain statements made by some members of the Catholic church which may have hurt sentiments of other religious denominations.
Former Aldona MLA and BJP spokesman, Glen Ticlo also applauded the Archbishop for his statement on the controversy.
“We endorse the statement of the cardinal. In recent times we have seen people making irresponsible statements and trying to create disharmony in the society,” Ticlo said.
He said Goans have always maintained good relations with other religious and visit each other’s houses during festivals.
