At a recent Press Conference, Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, made a significant announcement. He stated that the Assam Cabinet has passed a resolution endorsing a bill that aims to ban magical healing practices. He declared that this bill is slated for introduction in the Assam Legislative Assembly, with the explicit goal of curbing evangelism associated with such practices.
As leaders representing Assam Christian Forum, an umbrella body of all Christians Churches in Assam, we find this statement both misguided and needless. Let us dissolve into the assumptions and implications posed by this development.
1. Misconceptions Regarding Healing Practices:
• The Assam Cabinet’s assertion that Christians engage in magical hailing is misguided and misleading. Our numerous dispensaries and hospitals operate within the recognized medical frameworks, providing essential services to the sick.
• Healing in our context is not synonymous with proselytization. It is a compassionate response to human suffering, irrespective of religious affiliations.
2. The Role of Prayer and Faith:
• Prayer is a universal practice across religions, used to invoke divine healing. Labelling it as magical healing oversimplifies the profound spiritual dimensions of faith and life.
• Article 25 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to practice one’s chosen religion. Accusation against the Christians undermines this constitutional protection.
3. Respecting Religious Diversity:
The statement implicates Christians specifically, but in affects practitioners of all faiths. We must recognize that invoking divine blessings is intrinsic to religious worship, whether in temples, mosques, or churches. We should celebrate the rich tapestry of religious practices that contribute to our nation’s cultural heritage.
We are also disturbed by the threats to educational institutions and demands for the removal of Christian symbols by some fringe elements. Some of them demand that Hindu worship be performed in our school. We reject these demands and request the state authorities to take action against these elements who are a threat to our civilised society and are against the rights given to us by the Constitution of India.
In conclusion, let us engage in dialogue that promotes understanding and dispels misconceptions healing, whether through prayer or medical intervention, transcends religious boundaries. As Christians, we remain committed to compassionate service, guided by our faith and love for humanity. We emphasize the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of India and the need for respectful dialogue. We underscore the importance of upholding constitutional rights while fostering an inclusive society.
