Delhi Archbishop’s prayed for the end of Hazare’s fast
(August 29, 2011) The prayerful wish of Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao of Delhi,
founder member of ‘India against Corruption’ (IAC), expressed a couple of days ago
that Anna Hazare end his fast has come true. Anti-corruption campaigner Anna Hazare
called off his hunger strike Saturday, the 13th day, after the government
caved in and accepted his demands for a stricter law to stop corruption Earlier also
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay had clarified the Church’s stand on
the issue. “I wish to reiterate clearly that the Church is fully with Anna Hazare
in his strong campaign against corruption,” he said. Archbishop Concessao is of
the opinion that much more has to be done in terms of value education and conscience
formation in the days to come. He, however, went on to say, “We cannot set aside
the democratic processes. I am in favour of fasts to make a point but fast unto death
is not acceptable as life is a gift of God and God alone has the right to take it
away., “What we need is the education of our parliamentarians so that they can amend
the Lokpal Bill to ensure its effectiveness in practical terms. That would ensure
the responsiveness of our parliamentarians to the needs and aspirations of the people
they represent”. We have to honor the constitution., he said and appealed to all
to work, united and selflessly, within these parameters to arrive at a just solution
that is good for the people of the country.” .