The ongoing controversy and demonstrations and counter demonstrations concerning the Citizenship Amendment Act is a cause of great anxiety for all citizens and could harm the country. There is a danger that there could be a polarization of our peoples along religious lines, which is very harmful for the country.
Religion should never be the criterion for citizenship of a country. Nor is violence a solution when there is a difference of opinion.
It is necessary that the Government dialogues with those opposing the Act, and come to an agreement about the way forward with justice, equity and fairness. There is no harm in backtracking: changing course if this is necessary for the good of the country and our people. The time of Christmas is a time for peace, justice and unity. These values which Our Lord brought to humankind in Bethlehem should be paramount in our hearts and minds at this time.
December 27, 2019
+Oswald Cardinal Gracias
Archbishop of Bombay & President, CBCI