Andhra Church Body Says Census Downplays Number of Christians

Posted April 28, 2005
Wednesday April 27 2005 13:19 IST
HYDERABAD
newindpress.com

Andhra Pradesh Pastors and Independent Churches Association (APPICA) has demanded an inquiry commission to probe into census 'discrepancies' in the State.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, APPICA State president C Daniel James said that the number of Christians in the State 40 years ago, was about 18 lakh, but according to the latest figures, it is only 11 lakh. "How could the population come down so drastically? The government wants to deprive us of the benefits which are rightfully ours," he said.

James said that thousands of Christians would rally in each district and send memoranda to Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy through the respective district collectors on April 29.

"We are not able to exercise our rights here. The Christian community is put to various problems in the State. For instance, the mandal revenue officers are not issuing converted Christian status certificates to us. They don't even take up verification and instead threaten us with action," he alleges.

James also demanded creation of Christian Minority Finance Corporation. He said that the Christian students were not able to avail scholarships from the existing Minority Finance Corporation. He also demanded five per cent reservation for Christians.

He said that there were not enough burial grounds for the Christians in the State. He also demanded sanctioning of lands for the construction of churches in the State.

Other demands include disbursement of agricultural lands to the Christians and issuing ration cards to those who had been left out.