From Crux Now:
Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay recently highlighted that religious freedom is a fundamental human right protected by India’s Constitution. His remarks come amid the BJP’s proposal for anti-conversion laws ahead of the Maharashtra state elections.
The Cardinal responded to concerns that such laws may restrict religious liberty by emphasising that, while forced or deceitful conversions are unacceptable, individuals must have the right to freely choose or change their faith. He stressed that government interference in these personal decisions violates constitutional guarantees and compromises individual freedom of conscience.
Cardinal Gracias’s statement serves as a reminder of the Catholic Church’s dedication to upholding religious rights and its opposition to policies that could limit personal and spiritual autonomy. This stance is particularly significant as India faces increasing nationalist movements that sometimes challenge the principles of religious and cultural diversity.
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