Joji seeks more aid from state

Hyderabad, Dec. 21: Hyderabad Archbishop Marumpudi Joji on Monday said the recent collaboration of the Church with the government in the education sector had not been as smooth as expected.

“Unfortunately the government is not sticking to its agreements. This has put a heavy burden on the churches. The worst decision was to withdraw the grant-in-aid and termination of aided posts in the schools run by the churches, most of which are located in rural areas. This has put a financial burden on the churches,” Archbishop Joji said.

He added, “The conditions are so bad that at some places, land has to be mortgaged to pay salaries to the staff and for the maintainenance of educational institutions.”

Archbishop Joji asked the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, to continue with the efforts on bringing a legislation for grant of reservations to Dalit Christians to end discrimination.

He asked the Chief Minister to help in recovering the encroached properties of the Church.

“We ask government not to enact legislation for creation of government board for church properties. National commission for minorities has advised government not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Church. Within an year the scheme of subsidy to the pilgrimage to the Holy Land was stopped.” the archbishop said.

Meanwhile, the Tabernacles will Celebrate the 42nd anniversary celebrations which is part of its annual Christmas concert on Tuesday at Rail Kalarang, Bhoiguda, Secunderabad at 6 pm. Mr Kenneth V. Gibson will conduct the choir which will render classical, traditional and popular carols. Mr Dass Roberts, chairman, The Tabernalces, will preside over the function.