Delhi Archbishop asks Christians to protect 'secular fabric' ahead of 2019 polls

New Delhi: The Archbishop of Delhi Anil Couto has triggered a political row by asking all Christians to offer prayers and observe a day of fast on every Friday for a "secular nation" ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In the letter, the Archbishop called upon all Christians to "observe a day of fast every Friday of the week by foregoing at least one meal" as the country approached the 2019 general elections. 'We are witnessing a turbulent political atmosphere which poses a threat to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution and the secular fabric of our nation.

It is our hallowed practice to pray for our country and its political leaders all the time, but all the more so when we approach the general elections. As we look forward towards 2019 when we will have [a] new government, let us begin a prayer campaign for our country from May 13, 2018 which marks the anniversary of the Apparition of the Blessed Mother at Fatima, consecrating ourselves and our nation to the Immaculate Heart,' he said in the letter.

Talking to a TV channel, the Archbishop, denied any political motive in the prayer, calling it a standard practice before elections. 'In all churches and institutions we pray and fast. We pray for our own renewal and that of country. Keeping in mind all that's happening in our country we said that we look forward to the next elections and next government. Every government should protect the people and Constitution,' he said. 'What else will I talk? Elections and government concerns us. We have to have such government that cares for freedom of people, rights and welfare of the Christian community. I am not meddling in partisan politics. We are just praying that nation should walk in right direction,' he added. (UNI)