Smoking & Drinking Jesus on Shiv Sena ex-Corporator's Calendar

Religious community in Asia receives apology for offensive image of Jesus.

(MUMBAI) - The ex-Shiv Sena corporator, Tanaji Lonkar and publisher, K Sagar of the offensive calendar featuring a smoking and drinking Jesus has tendered an unconditional apology to The CSF and other community groups which had taken exception to it.

The CSF, MCYF, AOCC and CPF had filed police complaints in different police stations of Mumbai, like Vakola and Mahim. Joseph Dias, the CSF general secretary has also taken the issue up with the union minister for communications, Milind Deora to get the picture off the internet.

Joseph Dias said, "this is necessary as the picture of Jesus with a cigarette in hand and a beer can has often been downloaded and used by mischievous elements. If other gods are not picturised as such, why should Christ be?" He informed that the two persons responsible for the calendar would tender a public apology and also advertise the same in the media.

According to Agnelo Fernandes of MCYF, "it is good wiser counsel prevailed, though it beats us as to how such a gross misrepresentation could ever happen, though now claimed to be a slip".

Advocate Joe Sodder of the CPF said, "Christians are seen as soft targets and hence, one doesn't think twice before hurting their religious sentiments. But it won't be tolerated any more. Religion is a very sensitive issue in India and the consequences of such irresponsible behaviour can be disastrous".

Gordon Jacobs, AOCC president said "in true Christian spirit, we forgive those responsible for the highly objectionable calendar. We hope it sends the right signals to those seeking to irritate a community that is peace-loving and a micro-minority in this country".

The community groups will decide on withdrawing the police complaints under sections 295 (hurting religious sentiments) and 153 (creating enemity) after considering the advertisements and public statement.

For more info, contact:

Joseph Dias,  +91 9769555657
General Secretary, The CSF
The Catholic Secular Forum (The CSF)
Ex-Special Executive Magistrate / SEO
Government of Maharashtra

Agnelo Fernandes
President
Maharashtra Christian youth forum (MCYF)

Gordon Jacobs
President
Association of Concerned Catholics (AOCC)

Adv. Joe Sodder
Secretary
Catholics for the Preservation of the Faith (CPF)

Source: ICAN Indian Christian Activist Network