Christian monastery and church vandalized in India;
priest and three inmates brutaly beaten
Narsingpur (Madhya Pradesh, India), SVM News, February 16, 2008: Sacchidananda Christian Ashram (Monastery), and Church were vandalized, and the priest, who is the head of the Ashram and three inmates were brutally beaten by a mob of radical hindus at Narsingpur in Madhya Pradesh in India on February 14, the valantine's day.
Sacchidananda Ashram, Narsingpur
The priest and the head of the Ashram Rev. Father Anto Mundanmony and the inmates were immediately admitted at Jabalpur Hospital.
Rev. Father Verghese, an Ashram member told to Rev. Paul Ciniraj, Director of Salem Voice Ministries and SVM News Service that on thursday night, a mob of 50 activists of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarti Parishad (ABVP), and Bajrang Dal demolished the door of 62 year old nun's cottage and tried to attack her. At this time, the priest Father Anto and other inmates rushed to rescue her; but the attackers brutally beaten them and Father Anto and Richard Danial were thrown out on the floor.
"Few days ago, we requested the police for protection. So they appointed two constables and they were present on the scene, but just helpless onlookers. They did not even call for additional police force to prevent the attack", Pastor Verghese said.
Inmates of Sacchidananda Ashram
Sacchidananda Ashram was entrusted in 1986 . Its activities are Dialogue with different traditions and cultures, Inculturation of lifestyle and worship models, Promotion of Indian Christian Spirituality and Theology, Healing ministry through prayer, Counselling, Herbal medicine, Acupressure treatment and Yoga Therapy, Yoga Sadhana, Silence and contemplation for expansion of awareness, wholeness and harmony. Courses on Indian Christian Spirituality, Yoga for holistic life, Yoga for physical and mental health. But the attackers accuse that the ashram involves converting people to Christianity.
Paul Ciniraj, president of the Christian Ministers of the Churches of India (CMCI) and the Director of the Salem Voice Ministries condemned the attack towards Narsingpur Sacchidanda Ashram and its inmates.
SALEM VOICE MINISTRIES NEWS SERVICE (SVM NEWS)
Center for Persecuted Christians:
