His Excellency Bishop M.A. Daniel of the Methodist Church in India was in Geneva to mark the 70th anniversary of the World Council in Churches with Holy Father Pope Francis. His Grace Bishop Daniel highlighted the significance of the Pontiff’s message for Christians across the world and in India. His Grace Bishop M.A. Daniel said that the Pope’s visit represented a precious moment of encouragement and affirmation for all churches committed to pursue the path towards Christian unity.
As reported by Vatican news, His Excellency Bishop Daniel remarked that “Catholics play such an important role all over the world so if they take leadership it helps all the churches come together to stand for our cause. The Pope called for us to come together on common ground, show concern for others and spread the good news of the Gospel, also because in these very difficult times, the good news of Jesus is particularly needed.” Further, His Grace added, “Love is the prime message to communicate, because conflicts and problems that are taking place because of intolerance are increasing: only the strong message of Jesus Christ – that we need to love one another” – guided by the Holy Spirit, is essential.”
Regarding problems of intolerance and religious strife in his own country, India, His Excellency Bishop Daniel said that in India multi-cultural practices are embedded in the culture, but Hinduism represents the majority and dialogue is very important to understand one another.
