Shimoga, Nov 12: Demanding the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, popularly known as the Anti-Conversion Act, nearly 3,000 Christians belonging to various denominations and rites from Shivamogga, Davangere and Chitradurga districts participated in a peaceful silent procession in Shimoga on Thursday. The march was organised by the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (KUCFH), represented by its Shimoga, Davangere and Chitradurga zones.
The procession began at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga, where a large gathering of priests, pastors, religious men and women, and lay faithful from different Christian communities assembled. Participants included members of the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Rites of the Bhadravathi and Puttur Dioceses, along with the faithful of the Latin Diocese of Shimoga.
Rev. Fr Simon Pinto, President of KUCFH, welcomed the gathering and briefly explained the purpose of the silent procession, highlighting the need to repeal the Anti-Conversion Act. He also gave necessary instructions to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the march. Rev. Msgr Stany D’Souza, representing the Diocese of Shimoga, led the opening prayer and invoked God’s blessings upon the gathering.
Rev. Msgr Joseph Thotankara, Vicar General of the Diocese of Bhadravathi, officially flagged off the procession by waving the Papal Flag in the presence of Pastor P. D. Yesudass, President of the District Pastors’ Association, and other Christian leaders.
The silent march proceeded through the main streets of Shimoga city, passing along B. H. Road, Amir Ahmad Circle, Gopi Circle and Court Circle, before reaching the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Shimoga. Banners, placards and vehicles equipped with public-address systems at the beginning and end of the procession effectively conveyed the purpose and demands of the gathering to the public.
One of the highlights of the march was the impressive participation of nearly 3,000 people, including numerous priests, pastors, religious men and women, and lay faithful representing various Christian denominations, reflecting the unity and solidarity of the Christian community.
Upon reaching the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Rev. Fr Veeresh Moras, Public Relations Officer of the Diocese of Shimoga, explained the concerns surrounding the Anti-Conversion Act and highlighted the key points of the memorandum. The memorandum, addressed to the Chief Minister of Karnataka and submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Shimoga district, urged the state government to repeal the Act.
Rev. Msgr Stany D’Souza, along with other religious dignitaries, formally submitted the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, who received it on behalf of the government. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, following which all participants dispersed peacefully.
Special appreciation was expressed for the dedicated service and support rendered by the women volunteers of Nirmala Seva Kendra under the leadership of Sr Elize SCB; ICYM members of the Diocese under the leadership of Lenny; SSVP members from Bhadravathi and Shimoga; Arogyaswamy; Anthony Wilson; and Rev. Fr Glanson D’Souza, Assistant Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shimoga. Their valuable contributions played an important role in the smooth organisation and successful conduct of the programme.
The silent procession stood as a powerful expression of unity and solidarity among Christians across different denominations and rites. It conveyed the community’s collective appeal for the protection of constitutional rights, freedom of religion, and the dignity of every citizen, while calling upon the state government to uphold the constitutional values of justice, liberty and equality.