Questions
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| Essential Components of the –
Name: Catholic – generally in the Papal Christian / Roman Catholic sense of the word, irrespective of rites, region, language or denomination. Christian – Ecumenical to include mainline Churches & believers in Jesus Christ. Secular – Not communal or working only for / against a particular religious group, but open to any inter-religious faith & all citizens. Forum – a platform for all the like-minded to come together & work towards the objectives. Flag & Emblem: The background yellow & square size signifies our unity & oneness with the Vatican & the local Catholic Church . The tricolor circle is to include all Indians who are our sisters & brothers. The sun depicts the one true God, who gives us light, which we radiate worldwide. The Book is the Word, which sustains the love & hope, we feel and as expressed in the first two Encyclicals of Pope Benedict XVI. The words in the emblem are of the Holy Father – Deus Caritas Est (God is love), reflecting our principal approach to the Trinity and the world. The flame is indicative of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the spirit of activism burning in the service of the Church and others. The crimson red colour in the flame and of the CSF signifies the blood of the martyrs, who died for their faith, indicating our willingness to do so, if the need arises, for the Church. The blue colour circle in the centre denotes our solidarity with the dalits/tribes and the backward classes/castes, still struggling at the bottom of the economic ladder. |
Why do we need The CSF?
| o | Catholic-Christians have come to be treated as second-class Indian citizens. |
| o | The attacks on the community have increased manifold over the last few years. |
| o | Another disturbing trend is the Church & Clergy bashing in the media – films & novels. |
| o | Denial of opportunities to the community & non-inclusion of community members in public life. |
| o | Abuse & violations of human rights & constitutional safeguards, irrespective of the political party. |
| o | Affronts on the freedom of religion & myths about Christianity in India, being a westernized religion. |
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Communalism or minorityism has come to mean that numbers/might is right & most vocal is catered to.
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What is The CSF not?
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We do not impose Catholic-Christian ideas/opinions & we follow legitimate means of expressing our opinion. We prefer the Latin dictum: suaviter in modo, firmiter in re (smooth in the manner, but firm on the issue).
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We not communal or fundamental & only in favour of universally applicable inalienable rights of any individual.
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We are not a business entity, though we strive for economic upliftment, through our programmes & do not have profit, as our motive.
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We are not political & equidistant from all political parties, reserving the right to take up our cause with any party -left, right or centre.
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We do not get involved in theological / denominational issues that concern the Church & in matters of faith or morals accept the authority of the Church.
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We are not for unlimited freedom of expression, criticism of any religion (majority or minority) or culture & for senior leaders of The CSF contesting elections.
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What does The CSF do?
| o | Fosters national integrity & development for all. |
| o | Protects the Catholic-Christian community interests. |
| o | Brings aid/assistance, irrespective of any discrimination. |
| o | Expresses the Catholic-Christian opinion publicly in the media. |
| o | Establishes institutions & undertakes campaigns to fulfill its aims. |
| o | Consolidates the community to protest/demonstrate against attacks. |
| o | Prevents movies against the Community, Church, Clergy, Nuns, etc. |
| o | Extends relief services, without any discrimination to poorest of the poor. |
| o | Defends the Issues, Papacy & stands up against anti-community public initiatives. |
| o | Builds a community that is strong in mind, body & spirit -inspired by Christ & His Church. |
| o | Joins the government, national & international organizations in projects that bring relief to those in need. |
Who funds The CSF?
Why Join?
| o | To practice Christianity, as Christ intended us to. |
| o | To speak with one voice on issues that concern us. |
| o | To express your solidarity with & assist those in need. |
| o | To put up a united opposition against attacks & persecution. |
| o | To be part of the national mainstream & do your bit for India’s welfare. |
| o | To safeguard the Indian Constitution & Universal Human Rights Charter. |
| o | To be part of the national & international Catholic-Christian movements of love. |
Interested?
In order that any & everyone from the community becomes a member, the minimum fees are at nominal -about Rs.2 per month. Something that EVERY -child, adult, youth, senior, woman.. can easily afford. Get in touch. Contribute by either becoming a member / donor.