Shri Arun Jaitley Praises Church’s Commitment to India at CBCI’s Christmas Dinner

Shri Arun Jaitley of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has praised the Catholic Church’s compassion in a world he says is beset by violence and economic problems.

Lauding the contribution of the Catholic community in education and health care, Indian Federal Minister for Finance, Arun Jaitley, said “the community has produced innumerable numbers of people who were able to sacrifice their families and comfort to come out for the larger cause of religion and humanity.”

“Very rarely has the world seen such troubled times, with countries collapsing, terrorism, social and economic crises,” he said.

Therefore, we need to look at the teachings of the religions, including Christianity, for help, he said.

“It is a thread of compassion, humanity and service that runs around the world,” the minister added.

Arun Jaitley, who did a part of his schooling at the Catholic St Xavier’s School in New Delhi, spoke at a Christmas dinner organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on Dec 13, 2016.

Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, president of the bishop’s conference, Aboon Jacob Mar Barnabas, Church leaders from different denominations, parliamentarians, nuns and priests attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Cardinal Cleemis reiterated the Catholic community’s commitment toward India’s development.