THE SIXTH NATIONAL-LEVEL DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE RSS AND CHRISTIAN LEADERS

March 22, 2002. Bangalore

The sixth national-level discussion between the RSS and Christian leaders was held at the United Theological College on 22 March,2002. Leaders and Heads of churches, para-church organisations and Christian institutions represented the Christian community, while the RSS was represented by a 14-member team including its supremo Mr K.S. Sudharshan. National Minority Commission Member John Joseph was also present.

Dr O. V Jathanna, Principal of United Theological College, welcomed the gathering stating that their institution had some of the most prominent leaders in dialogue over the years. Names of stalwarts such as Paul Devanandan and Stanley Samartha were mentioned.

Dr Ken Gnanakan of ACTS Academy, moderator of the session clearly stated that the discussion was aimed at understanding the distinctives of the two communities and sought clarifications in a positive setting. Addressing the gathering Dr Gnanakan said, "We would like to understand a little bit more about the RSS ideology of reuniting and rejuvenating the Hindus of this country. Given this agenda, where do we, minorities stand? Each community has their commitments and no major agreements could be expected in a three hour meet except to agree to continue in discussions."

The meeting began with Christian leaders voicing their concerns about various issues relating to the Christian minority in the country. The issues that were discussed at the meeting were of two different kinds. Those that questioned the very essence of the Christian faith - a Swadeshi church, reinterpretation of Christian scriptures, conversion etc. and issues that threatened the security and safety of minority communities. Some of the issues were:

1. How can the Christian minority feel they are a part of this country and totally Indian given the current accusations of the RSS. Have not Christians contributed significantly towards the development of the country to be considered Indian. Their contribution towards education and health and empowerment of the downtrodden of the country is undisputed.

2. The Christian leaders also requested the RSS to clarify various statements targeted against them such as "Let the minority understand that their goodwill lies in the majority and that Christians are foreigners and non-Indians." The RSS supreme defended himself by saying that such statements have been made in the past with no violent reactions. "It is a fact," he asserted and minorities must respond.

3. Issue of mass conversion was discussed at great length. While some pointed out that becoming a Christian not as conversion but as transformation other leaders maintained that they did not use aid to convert people and that using inducement for conversion is not acceptable to them either. Sudarshan reiterated his stand that the constitution allowed for propagation of religion and not conversion. But, what is propagation? The press asked.

4. The leaders also debated on the saffronisation of education in India and compulsory learning of Sanskrit and subtle introduction of brahminical values in the school textbooks instead of stressing on human values. Sudarshan affirmed the RSS stand to rectify the "damage under the British " Aryans did not come from outside. They were Indians all along. The British wanted to divide the Indians, he claimed.

Recognising that this was the biggest ever meet of its kind, Sudharshan said that this meeting was an occasion to understand each other and to remove all misunderstandings. Speaking at length about the issues of conversion, Hindu dharma and the RSS ideology he said, " RSS has been depicted as anti-Christian, anti-Muslim and an uncompromising militant group. RSS is a socio-cultural organization wedded to the all- around development of nation by consolidating the Hindu society and purging the evils of society. Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. It is a commonwealth of religions. Hinduism believes that there is only one God and each one worships Him in different ways."

Police Commissioner H T Sangliana, a committed Christian himself, challenged the RSS chief stating that not all of NE India comprised of Christian militant insurgents. In fact, there were Hindu groups also. "I am a Christian because the missionaries came to give us the message of Jesus Christ. Where were the Hindu priests? By becoming a Christian, I did not stop being an Indian. Just because I do not speak Hindi and am not a Hindu like Sudarshan it does not mean I am not an Indian."

Ken Gnanakan, addressing the media said "No agreements have been arrived at and that was not the intention of this meet. We have differences. We do not accept the RSS view of conversion, nor their understanding of our Bible; we think they have a limited idea of many issues such as colonial Christianity and North East Indian Christians. I have offered to update their knowledge."

Charles Prabakar, secretary of Christian Alliance for Communal Harmony, one of the key instruments behind the meeting, cautioned RSS not to continue in activities that aggravate the minorities. He drew attention to the activities of the VHP, which need to be curbed in the interest of harmony in the country.

At the end of the meeting both parties agreed that Christians and Hindus should earn each other's confidence, understand each other's religion, remove doubts and suspicious and bring about goodwill among the communities. Sudershan said - "This is the biggest meet with Christian leaders." One pastor said. "We have been educated tremendously, and need more such events" .

Speakers included Dr T.C. George (General Superintendant of the Assemblies of God Churches), Dr M E Prabhaker (formerly CSIRS), Mr Sajan George (Global Council of Indian Christians), Bishop Elia Peter (Methodist Church), Dr Pramanick (Bible Society), Dr Pradeep Das (Principal, Baldwin Boys' High School), and Mrs Navamani Peter, World Women's Day of Prayer, Bishop Furtado (Church of South India) Dr N J Joseph (Ecumenical Christian Centre), Rev Paul Thangiah (Full Gospel Church), Dr Ivan Satyavratha (Southern Asia Bible College), Dr Sankima Pachau (United Theological College), P. N. Benjamin (BIRD) and others. Representatives of the Protestant as well as the Roman Catholic churches participated.

Greetings and regrets of their inability to attend were received from Brother D G S Dhinakaran (Jesus Calls), Dr K Rajarathnam (National issues Commission of the National Council of Churches), and Dr Jakob Mar Irenaios of the Mar Thoma Church.