What began as a localized protest in Siridao Palem against land conversion has grown into a pan-Goa movement questioning the very path development in the state is taking. The hunger strike undertaken by sitting MLA Viresh Borkar has further galvanized public sentiment, drawing support from citizens across talukas, communities, and political affiliations. The question that arises is in all this turmoil what is the stand of the church in Goa? Why is there no official statement from the church authorities thus far? It may be argued that the church should avoid politics. But this movement is not fundamentally political. The agitation is about stewardship of land, environmental justice, and the rights of communities. More importantly the agitation is led by citizens and not by politicians. When land is lost irreversibly, when ecosystems are threatened, and when local populations feel unheard, it becomes the moral responsibility of the church to safeguard the common good. A carefully considered statement from Church authorities would be an affirmation of principles of transparency in governance and sustainable development.
