New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) discussed the problems faced by the Chrstian minorities in the country with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A delegation led by CBCI President Archbishop Mar Dr Andrews Thazhathu met with Modi on Friday. Union Minister of state Suresh Gopi was also with them. The delegation congratulated Narendra Modi on securing Prime Ministership for the third term. The meeting reportedly lasted three and a half hours.

Archbishop Thazathu shared his concerns about the increasing violence against Christians and Christian institutions with Modi. Priests are imprisoned by misusing the anti-conversion law, non-renewal of registration for Christian voluntary organisations that hinders the receipt of foreign funds, were some of the issues that were highlighted. 

He also demanded that representatives of the Christian community should be included in the National Commission and National Minority Educational Institutions Commission, reservation should be ensured for dalit Christians and qualified Christians should be considered for appointment in ministries and departments. 

The archbishop also demanded that steps be taken to bring peace to Manipur. He said that the prime minister assured him that the matters would be looked into. 

The prime minister informed the delegation that the discussions regarding the Pope’s visit to India are in progress. He invited the Pope in person when visiting Italy, Modi said. The Archbishop said that they expect the Pope’s visit to India soon.