a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

ecause none of the Pentecostal leaders was invited, despite the fact that many
Pentecostals were attacked in the recent violence. The statement of Archbishop
Cleemis strengthened the suspicion as he is reported to have said:
The summit had taken a stand against compulsory conversions, but at the same
time, the freedom of individuals to convert out of deep conviction would be
respected…. The attacks on the churches should be seen as isolated incidents.
“An attack on a person bearing a Christian name need not be construed as an
attack on the entire Christian community.” 153
Therefore, many Pentecostals believe that they were targeted at the summit, and
the reaction of Kerala Pentecostals in particular was very strong. 154
It is also observed that there is persecution, albeit on a less serious level and the
anti-conversion law exists in a few states where BJP is not a ruling party.
Therefore, as Kim’s study shows, ‘Hindu resentment against conversion is not
confined to “fundamentalists” but is widely shared by a majority of Hindus.’ In
this context, he suggests a two-dimensional engagement in debate. First, an ‘intra-
Christian debate on the motives and agents of conversion,’ to consider Hindu
criticisms. Second, a Christian-Hindu debate on the scope, limit and meaning of
religious tolerance in both religious contexts with its implications. 155
153 Special Correspondent, Attacks on Churches Decried,’ The Hindu, 30 September 2008, under
‘Kerala,’ http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/30/stories/2008093054120400.htm (accessed 28
November 2008).
154 For example, there are several articles in Christhava Chintha 10, no. 112 (3 November 2008).
See Anil Kodithottam, ‘Sanghaparivarinte Kapadanadakathil Methranmarude Panku’ [The Role
of Metrans in the Fake Drama of Sangh Parivar], 1, 11; Editorial, ‘Christhava- Hindu Munnani
Churchayude Lakshyam Vere’ [Christian-Hindu Dialogue with a Different Goal], 2; P.P. Kurien,
‘Nigoodathakal Marangirikkunna Aikya Sammelanangal’ [Summits with Mysteries], 3.
155 Kim, In Search of Identity, 182, 197-200.
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