CIARD1NAL GRACIA S, A-41 Archbishop of Bombay, has appealed to the Indian Government to adopt a liberal attitude towards foreign missionaries and to grant them visas to come to the country.
Writing on "Christianity in India" for the Indiun rind Foreign Rrviriv, he pointed out that the missionaries wished to come to India to serve Christians at their invitation. The restrictions imposed by the government had impeded the smooth operation of several Christian institutions, he added. Visas were refused on political, social and economic, rather than religious grounds.
The Christian community in India. the Cardinal wrote. "enjoyed complete freedom" in worship and other matters, and the Church was recognised and regarded as an important factor in national life. He praised the policy of the late Mr. Nehru in this respect and said that he paid special attention to safeguard the Christian community interests.
Cardinal Gracias stated that ultimately Indians would be able to take charge of all the activities of the Church in the country. Among the 5,000 priests were a good number of Indians, and among the 1,500 nuns, 1,300 were natives of India.