Christmas offers unique opportunity to reaffirm values of justice and harmonious coexistence, says Mangaluru Bishop

Mangaluru Diocese Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha said on December 23 that Christmas offers a unique opportunity to reaffirm the values of justice and harmonious coexistence at a time when society is facing increasing challenges of violence, deceit, and misinformation.

In his Christmas message, the Bishop expressed serious concern over the erosion of truth in the public sphere and the growing threats to fundamental rights.

“Safeguarding truth, transparency, and ethical values is not merely a legal obligation; it is a fundamental pillar of society’s future,” Mr. Saldanha said.

The Bishop said that all must cultivate integrity in personal and public life, transparency in governance, justice in decision-making and people-centred accountability in implementation.

“Along with protecting the fundamental and Constitutional rights of citizens, efforts must be made to strengthen fraternity among all. For society to progress peacefully and for the nation to move along the path of genuine development, upholding ethics, transparency and truth is the foremost duty of every institution and every citizen. In order that development reaches everyone in all its dimensions, it is essential to treat all citizens with respect and dignity,” he said.

The Bishop said that it is heartbreaking to hear, day after day, of countless innocent people falling victim to the hands of fraudsters.