------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html -------------------------------------------------------
On Tue May 29 18:46:25 PDT 2007, George Pinto > It is not possible to clearly separate Church/temple/mosque and state. > religious activism in public policy cannot be completely stopped. > Wherever the line is drawn it is always going to be challenged. RESPONSE: George, I could not agree with you more. > However, I feel religious groups who actively get involved in > politics should give up their non-profit status (which is a taxpayer > subsidy) and then be involved on an equal footing as anyone else. RESPONSE: Why single out religious groups (of every hue)? Are religious groups the only ones receiving a tax subsidy while at the same time trying to influence public-policy? Must a priest or pandit be automatically disenfranchised, just because (s)he receives a tax-break? At the other end of the spectrum, should priests (as in the case of the publicised Catholic priest) actively support and canvas for candidates? Its quite the dilemma, especially within India, where we are still largely steeped in tradition and religion. Maybe the Election Commission needs to come up with a code of conduct for the religious. In the west it is a different story. Mervyn Lobo recently elucidated about the Catholic Church in Canada vis-a-vis same-sex marriage. Thanks for drawing attention to this sticky wicket - politics and the religious. Best - Bosco T-dot! ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
