Nearly 3,000 Christians in Shivamogga Demand Repeal of Karnataka’s Anti-Conversion Act
Shivamogga: Demanding the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of the Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, popularly known as the Anti-Conversion Act, nearly 3,000 Christians belonging to various denominations and rites from Shivamogga, Davangere and Chitradurga districts participated in a peaceful silent procession in Shivamogga on Thursday.
The procession was organised by the All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights (KUCFH), represented by its Shivamogga, Davangere and Chitradurga zones.
The procession began at 9:30 a.m. in front of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, where a large gathering of priests, pastors, religious men and women, and faithful from different Christian communities assembled. Participants included members of the Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Rites from the Bhadravathi and Puttur dioceses, along with faithful from the Latin Diocese of Shivamogga.
Rev. Fr. Simon Pinto, President of KUCFH, welcomed the gathering and briefly explained the purpose of the silent procession, highlighting the need to repeal the Anti-Conversion Act. He also issued instructions to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the march.
Rev. Msgr. Stany D’Souza, representing the Diocese of Shivamogga, led the opening prayer and invoked God’s blessings upon the gathering. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Thotankara, Vicar General of the Diocese of Bhadravathi, formally flagged off the procession by waving the Papal Flag. Pastor P. D. Yesudass, President of the District Pastors’ Association, and other Christian leaders were present.
The silent procession passed through the main streets of Shivamogga, covering B. H. Road, Amir Ahmad Circle, Gopi Circle and Court Circle, before reaching the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Banners, placards and vehicles equipped with public-address systems at the beginning and end of the procession highlighted the participants’ purpose and demands to the public.
Nearly 3,000 people took part in the march, including a large number of priests, pastors, religious men and women, and lay faithful representing various Christian denominations.
Upon reaching the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Rev. Fr. Rev. Fr. Veeresh Moras, Public Relations Officer of the Diocese of Shivamogga, explained the community’s concerns regarding the Anti-Conversion Act and outlined the key points of the memorandum.
The memorandum, addressed to the Chief Minister of Karnataka and submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Shivamogga district, urged the state government to repeal the Act.
Rev. Msgr. Stany D’Souza and other religious dignitaries formally submitted the memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, who received it on behalf of the government. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, following which the participants dispersed peacefully.
The silent procession reflected the Christian community’s united concern and its appeal for the protection of constitutional rights, religious freedom, and the dignity of every citizen.
