The September 97 issue of the New Internationalist' contains an article by Vanessa Baird on an interview she had with Father S.J. Emmanuel Vicar General in the Diocese of Jaffna in Sri Lanka. A few extracts are reproduced.
"I think that in the Church, if you have security you are not a 'Christian'. He wants the Bishops to go to his native Jaffna and see for themselves. 'I think the truth liberates' he says simply. But the Bishops prefer not to go, and so the sins of destruction must be laid at the doors of these Bishops' Houses. What is frustrating to Father Emmanuel is that he believes that the Catholic Church can act as a strong mediating force to help end a war waged between the mainly Buddhist Sinhalese against the mainly Hindu Tamils".
All Christians must salute the Anglican Bishop Kenneth Fernando who gave a lead to the Catholic Bishops also to come out and help the state by actively mediating for peace and ending this ruinous war. In a coincidence the newspaper The Southern Cross' published in South Africa, in the front page article states that the Catholic Church in South Africa could have done more in the struggle against apartheid. In the document drawn by Fr. Sean O'Leary, head of the Southern African Conference's justice and peace commission states that the complicity of the Church is found in the acts of omission rather than commission. Silence in the face of ongoing and systematic oppression at all levels of society is perhaps the church's greatest sin.
The document also states "With hindsight it can be said that the church did contribute to the creation of a culture of human rights, a culture of resistance, a culture of protest. At the same time she condemned gross violation of human rights on all sides. However we recognise that more could have been done to protest against the ongoing and systematic violation of human rights by the State apparatus. The church suffered, for example in that the Khanya House, which houses the Bishops' conference was fire bombed in 1980. Many church personnel were detained, tortured and deported, particularly in the 1970's and 1980's. However, the submission adds that the Bishops conference would support a 'Shame Tax' which could be used to help survivors and their families. It committed the Church to educating the South Africans about what happened during apartheid, and to counselling services set up by the justice and peace commission for victims of abuses. These services could be extended to perpetrators as well as victims.
If I recollect correctly the late Rev. Dr. D.T Niles the well known and recognised preacher who had somewhat similar thoughts said that the Christian Church must be like a lighted candle on a hill top exposed to the stormy winds. That is its adventure. Yes the Bishops must get out of their security and be a light to the world and be much more involved in working for peace in Sri Lanka bleeding by this ruinous war. It must be said that the Archbishop did go to Jaffna a few years ago and some of the clergy too. But this was, I believe, after the Anglican Bishop Rev. Kenneth Fernando gave the lead.
The greatest evil, an anonymous writer said is for good men to do nothing. The Tax or Fund should be supported by all sections of the country no sooner the country is on its way to peace. Almost the whole nation is guilty in some form or another, some by commission, some by acquiescence for their own ends and some others which is the vast majority, including the learned persons in positions to influence the silent and the inactive to act rightly and quickly in the interest of the country by omission....
Date: October 8 1997.
Time: 8.15 am.
I am waiting in a line of traffic to turn right from Dharmapala Mawatha (Sathutu Uyana Side) into Park Street. An "office transport" van (Badu Kochchiya) creates a second lane and comes right to the top of the line bypassing about 20 vehicles . The traffic cop chases the van away. Applause! Applause! I am really glad. I say "Dam good for the fellow."
The next day: same time, same place, same cop, same situation but this time a blue pajero jumps the queue. I wait eagerly for a repeat .
But hey presto! the cop actually takes a few steps back and lets the culprit creep through . Shame! Shame! I am appalled . I say "Must sell this car and buy a 'Power' vehicle."
On Monday evening, October 6, I watched Sanath J. being interviewed over Rupavahini. To say the least, the interview was a disappointment.
On view was a world-acclaimed sports-star, who is probably at the height of his glory. What greater glory in the cricketing world than to be selected by Wisden as one of its Five Cricketers of last year without having played in Blighty. A truly remarkable achievement.
When such a person is being interviewed over national television, the interviewer should, in my opinion, attempt to focus him in the correct perspective so that he could at least, be an inspiration to the future generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. He should also be portrayed as an idol. But the interviewer kept harping on Sanath's inadequacies or shortcomings which, to say the least, was embarrassing even to Sanath himself. But the modest person that he is and the competent cricketer, he kept on glancing these beamers to the fence and over it as he is wont to do!
During the interview Sanath admitted amongst other things, that he was a vegetarian, that he likes sea-bathing and was a firm believer in the Buddhist philosophy of life. He also said that cricket was such that he might not be the celebrity that he presently is in the next few years. This shows the modesty of the man. It is necessary to believe in yourself. Then you can continue to achieve greatness. My fervent belief is that a person like Sanath who is modest about his achievements can attain greater heights if he continues in the same vein.
The Rupavahini interview with Sanath certainly portrayed some of his traits and attributes. But it would have been far better to portray the greatness of the man in a more lively discussion that could have gripped the attention of the viewers, and also been a source of inspiration to the younger generation.
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