GUWAHATI: The Assam Christian Forum (ACF), the umbrella body of all Christian churches in Assam, has criticized the Assam Cabinet’s move to ban magical healing in the state as violating the constitutional rights of Christians. I am against it because it is.
Recently, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the government will bring a bill to ban the practice of magical healing in the name of treatment by faith healers to convert tribal people.
“We are not targeting any particular religion. This healing practice exists among Hindus and preachers, and Badruddin Ajmal himself practices it. With this law, All these will be banned,” Sarma said.
“Healing is a very dangerous subject and is used to convert tribal people. We intend to pilot this bill because we believe that the status quo of religion is very important. ,” Sarma said.
The Cabinet gave its assent to the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024 to abolish magical cures for congenital diseases.
In a joint statement today, ACF President Archbishop John M., General Secretary Chowaram Daimari, and Press Secretary Allen Brooks said: Let’s dig deeper into the assumptions and implications of this development. ”
“The Assam Cabinet’s claim that Christians are engaged in magical healing is false. Our numerous clinics and hospitals operate within a recognized medical framework and provide essential services to the sick. “We are providing the following,” the statement said.
Regarding the role of prayer and faith, the statement said that prayer is a universal practice that transcends religion and is used to evoke divine healing. Labeling it magical healing, they said, oversimplifies the deep spiritual aspects of faith and life.
They said Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to practice a religion of one’s choice. Charges against Christians undermine this constitutional protection.
“The Prime Minister’s statement is particularly relevant to Christians, but it affects practitioners of all religions. “We must recognize that this is essential,” they said.
“Healing, whether through prayer or medical intervention, transcends religious boundaries. As Christians, we remain committed to compassionate service, guided by our faith and love for humanity,” Christian leaders said. said.
“We should celebrate the rich tapestry of religious practices that contribute to our nation’s cultural heritage,” they further stated.
Commenting on Kutumba Suraksha Parishad President Sathya Ranjan Borer’s call for the removal of idols of Jesus and Mary from Christian Missionary Schools, ACF leaders said: by some fringe elements. Some of them demand that Hindu prayers be held in schools. ”
“We reject these demands and urge the state authorities to take action against these elements who are a threat to our civilized society and are against the rights conferred upon us by the Constitution of India,” they said. Ta.
