We oppose, in principle, any curbs on freedom of speech, and of faith, as guaranteed in the Constitution of India.

We certainly are opposed to violent demands for banning films, books or plays. Violence is the work of fascist groups such as the Bajrang Dal and the Shiv Sena.

We are also sure of our Faith and that our God has survived two thousand years of calumny -- Arun Shourie and da Vinci Code are the most recent. They will too be consigned to the dust heap of history.

The questions that arise are to be answered not by us, but by the governments of the day at the Centre and in the states.

Why do governments have two faced, double-standard policy on issues of cultural and religious sensitivity.

Why is it okay to file an FIR against MF Husain for painting a nude woman representing India, but not okay to file an FIR against LK Advani and the host of others who denigrate Christian idiom, commit sacrilege and blaspheme openly

Why is it okay to give licenses to sell Gita at railway stations but to beat up and arrest Christian workers distributing New Testament Tracts?

Why is it okay for the Censor Boards and the Customs Service to ban even the silliest painting or book that comments on Hindu mythology – and leads to riots -- but the organisations are not concerned if Da Vinci code and Tickle my Bone [about a nun] or showing Christian girls as harlots in Mumbai and their fathers as drunkards or mafias, offends the Christian community.

This is official bigotry -- by the administration and its officers, by the police, and by the junior judiciary.

This we oppose this official bigotry as citizens of a free and democratic India -- which, in case people have forgotten, is also secular

John Dayal

Member: National Integration Council, Government of India

National President:  All India Catholic Union (Founded 1919)

Secretary General: All India Christian Council (Founded 1999)