Bishop of Bhadravathi Calls for Social Harmony and Compassion at Interfaith Christmas Gathering in Shimoga

Shimoga, Dec 20, 2025: Bishop Joseph Arumachadath of Bhadravathi on Thursday said the true meaning of Christmas lies in upholding humanity, compassion and social harmony, urging people of all faiths to actively work for peaceful coexistence in society.

Speaking at the Sauharda Christmas celebration in Shimoga, the bishop stressed that being humane and fostering harmony in society constituted the true celebration of Sauharda Christmas. He emphasised that unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence across faiths were central to the spirit of the occasion.

He noted that the celebration underscored the importance of coming together across religious boundaries to uphold harmony in society and to affirm shared human values rooted in respect and understanding.

The interfaith celebration was organised by the Diocesan Commission for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue in collaboration with the United Christian Forum for Human Rights (UCF), Shimoga Zone, at Sannidhi, and was presided over by Bishop Duming Dias, Apostolic Administrator of Shimoga.

Dr. Shri Basava Marulasiddha Swamiji of Basava Kendra, Shimoga, and Maulana Shahul Hamid of Sunny Yuvajana Sangha, Shimoga, who were also the guests of honour, stressed similar messages, underscoring unity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence across faiths.

The celebration brought together religious leaders from various churches and denominations, reflecting a shared commitment to ecumenism and interfaith dialogue. Choirs from different denominations added vibrancy to the gathering, with carol singing by students of Nirmala School and College of Nursing emerging as a key highlight.

By Fr. Franklin D’souza