INTERVIEWS

“We must practice forgiveness and reconciliation”

The Anglican Bishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera has called upon all Christians to act with restraint and be calm at a time when savage attacks are perpetrated on them. He says no matter how much Christians are hurt the Gospel calls them to be examples and agents of reconciliation. “In this task we must also remember that the other religions too have their respective spiritualities that contribute towards reconciliation,” he told The Sunday Leader in an interview

Following are excerpts;

By Wilson Gnanadass

Q: What  is the position of the Church with regard to the recent attacks on Christians carried out by the majority Buddhists?

A: Certainly the majority of Buddhists do not carry out the attacks on the Christians. The information we have is that it is being done by a small group of persons. Some of them reacting to the way some of us Christians engage in missions at a local level.

Q: Do you believe the present attacks on Christians are politically motivated?

A: I am afraid I can’t answer that. There seems to be two views on this. One, that this is purely a religious issue and the other that there could be a  hidden political hand. But this is a matter for the authorities to investigate and educate the people.

Q: The Sinhala Buddhists claim that the Christians have engaged themselves in unethical conversions. How do you view this?

A: We must be careful about lumping all Sinhala Buddhists together on matters like this. I also know that some Hindus are disenchanted with the way some Christians engage in missions. This is a question that needs to be probed deeper. But I do think that by and large this is a reaction against some methods used by Christians.

Q: Are such conversions unethical in your view?

A: This is a word that is used fairly loosely and different people mean different things in its usage. The real question is how we determine unethical conversions. If we can agree on what is unethical then this criteria could be applied on a case-by-case basis. 

Q: The government has so far not taken any action to arrest the perpetrators. Do you feel the government should act fast to prevent further attacks on Christians?

A: Some action has been taken in certain areas and I know of even some instances where the police have taken prompt action to defuse tension and even brought about reconciliation. But in certain other instances the authorities have been slow to act. It is the responsibility of the police to provide protection to all citizens alike and this responsibility can and must be exercised with greater professional efficiency.

Q: The Catholic Church has distanced itself from the present crisis. Do you think it is the time to be united?

A: I don’t think the Roman Catholic Church has distanced itself from the crisis. The Roman Catholic Church has explained its position regarding the crisis through a statement issued by the Bishops Conference and we need to take note of the concerns expressed. Those of us in positions of responsibility in Church are aware that the different Churches in this country cooperate at different levels. The time is always right for the Christians and the Churches to be united but the reality is that many of us are not united. Historically we have competed and worked against each other and even hurt and ridiculed each other. For the sake of Christ and our common witness this situation must be addressed. But the journey ahead is a long one. Elements of pain and distrust must be dealt with and the journey should begin with conversations that address the causes of our separation and distrust. We need to also seriously work towards a policy of shared ethics and values in the way we live and work as Churches in a multi religious society such as ours.

Q: What would you suggest to the Christians in particular at a time like this?

A: My repeated request to all Christians is that we must all engage in self criticism. The Church has made mistakes in the past and will continue to make mistakes and it is up to us to learn new lessons and make the necessary adjustments so that we might please Christ in the way we order our common life and engage in mission. I also request all Christians to be assured of the tremendous inter religious goodwill and trust that continues to exist in this country in spite of the recent tensions. Many Sri Lankans of all religions share a common life through mixed marriages and in our neighborhoods, schools and universities,’ our places of work and the many other areas in which we have common interests. This foundation is real, cannot be lightly dismissed and must be built on and strengthened at times like these. In spite of the current tension several of our clergy and congregation have excellent relationships with Buddhist monks, Poosaries and Imams and their respective communities at the local level. All over the country a great deal of inter religious social service and awareness building takes place through inter religious cooperation. These are the positive aspects of our common heritage that we must not lose sight of when caught up in the present tensions.

I also request Christians to be aware of our rights and privileges as Sri Lankans to practice our religion and to share our faith in a dignified manner in a society in which all other religions enjoy the same rights. This, in my mind is an important characteristic of a modern, independent, multi-religious state. Finally I urge all Christians to be calm and to practice forgiveness and reconciliation. No matter how much we have been hurt, the Gospel calls us to be examples and agents of reconciliation. In this task we must also remember that the other religions too have their respective spiritualities that contribute towards reconciliation.

Q: What course of action has the Church taken so far to prevent attacks?

A: In such situations the Church is extremely vulnerable. We are a minority religion amongst other religions and we depend mostly on our own spirituality, the goodwill of our neighbours and the professional protection and intervention of the state authorities.

Q: Why do you think the Buddhists are upset about conversions? And do you think the Buddhists fear that Sri Lanka would be converted into a Christian nation?

A: I must repeat the qualification that I made earlier that I do not think all Buddhists are upset and that there are some Hindus too who are upset with the way we Christians engage in mission. As to why some of them are upset I can only venture the answer that some of our methods lack sensitivity and do not seem to show the required respect we should be paying to all religions. There is also a feeling amongst some that Christians exploit poverty to convert the poor. If this is happening directly or indirectly it is wrong and it must stop. But here again we need a case by case investigation to establish authenticity. As for Christians serving the poor, this is a central part of our Christian responsibility and life. As disciples of Christ we are called upon to love our neighbour and this should be irrespective of our neighbours’ identity.

It is natural in loving our neighbour that the neediest will receive priority. Even though mistakes have been made in the past in this regard the involvement of Christians in social service, social action and creating social awareness, working for peace and justice and so on is an intrinsic part of our Christian life and should continue. Perhaps one way forward in inter-religious societies such as ours is that such service and action should take place through acts of collaboration by the respective religions. This will not only reduce suspicion it will also enhance the services we offer.

Q: Buddhists claim Christian missionaries attract non-Christians by way of giving money and thereby leading them to accept Christ. Do you think there is truth in it?

A: This is a serious allegation and I sincerely hope that this is not happening. Because if it is true it is wrong and must stop.  If on the other hand concerned Buddhists can bring such instances to the notice of responsible Church leaders I am sure that these matters can be investigated and clarified. In this connection I wish to reiterate a proposal already made; that an inter-religious body be set up to go into such cases with a view to corrective action. This body could also be called upon to deal with tensions that emerge in various areas.

Q: How would you describe religion?

A:  Religion is a way of life based on certain values and teachings that transforms its adherents into more integrated and useful persons in society. Most religions claim that this is only possible through communion with the ultimate reality commonly referred to as god. Some religions define this reality as the dhamma or a prophet or a sage.

Q: Does conversion begin at the time of birth for a Christian?

A: Religious conversions are an extremely profound experience in all religions. I can only speak on behalf of Christian conversions, which begins with an experience of communion with God through Christ. At some stage in a person’s life this becomes a conscious experience and reality. From thereon transformation into the likeness of Christ becomes more visible and the person becomes an asset in society by becoming more useful, just and loving.

Q: Is persecution new to a Christian and do you believe the recent attacks on Christians by the Buddhists reflect on what is said in the Scriptures that every Christian must undergo persecution?

A: Christians are called upon to live in harmony and build relationships with all people. However the experience of the Cross; some hardship on account of obedience to Christ could well become a part of one’s pilgrimage. While in some countries today persons of various religions experience persecution, I think it would be wrong to suggest that Christians are persecuted in Sri Lanka. This is an overstatement.

Q: Have you in your capacity as the head of the Anglican Church made any appeal to the government?

A: I have on occasions shared our concern with a cross section of responsible political leaders in this country and I found them all extremely receptive and understanding.