You may find it strange that a British Catholic with family connections on the island should be requesting your help. Read on and you will see my logic.
With regard to the JHU’s private members Bill regarding "forcible religious conversions" I can assure you that we as Catholics in line with your beliefs do not coerce anyone into our religions.
I have been told by the JHU’s theory that Catholicism was brought in by the Portuguese and originated in the Middle East and is therefore, a non-indigenous religion. True! However, if my knowledge is correct, isn’t Islam also similar to Christianity in that it is also an offshoot of Judaism, also originated in the Middle East so is not native to Sri Lanka. But there again isn’t Hinduism non native as it traces its roots to India so again is not a native religion?
Unfortunately, someone in the JHU seems to have overlooked the fact that Buddhism likewise is not native to Sri Lanka as it also originated in India.
This Bill infringes the Constitution and would impact into so many aspects of everyday life. How would Catholic Government Armed Forces personnel regard their duties and roles, if they were perceived as being second class citizens? Would this increase their motivation to fight for the Government or lessen it. The answer should be blatantly obvious even for the JHU policy makers.
I as a school teacher would feel threatened that my actions could be construed as liable to cause pupils in my care to convert. Will doctors have to ask the religion of any patient before feeling confident enough to treat them without the fear of "Big Brother from the JHU" peering over their shoulder! Seriously this act, if passed, will make everyday life unbearable and will hardly promote a tolerant society.
Oh, and regarding my initial plea to Hindus and Muslims? Bullies do not fight all their victims at once. If this Bill goes through successfully, then the JHU will turn their attention to both of you in turn and will not be satisfied until the saffron cloak is wrapped around each church, kovil and mosque alike. All minority religions should stick together and oppose this proposed Bill.
