US priest concerned over 'persecution' of church worldwide

A prominent Catholic priest from the United States today expressed concern over "persecution" of the church across the world but praised India for its remarkable sense of harmony and friendship among religions.
Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Cardinal Archbishop of New York, said he has heard from the head of Syro-Malabar Church, Cardinal George Alencherry, that India's ancient Hindu culture is open to all religions.
"We are much worried about the persecution of church around the world," the Church leader said when asked about his views on Islamic State.
"What I hear...India is vast with a remarkable sense of harmony, friendship among religions. You have the ancient Hindu culture, which is really open to other religions. You have Islamic presence and of course you have Christian presence," Dolan, currently on a visit to Kerala, told reporters here.

Referring to incidents of attacks on churches in India, he said those who indulge in such violent acts are a "tiny tiny" section of extremists.
"They do not represent the country," he said.

Dolan said he was told that there are incidents of "some harassment and some persecution" but the climate in India is one of amity, friendship and respect.
He also said there is freedom of religion in the US.
"We don't have persecution," he said, adding, the United States was built on the principle of freedom of religion.
Asked about his views on gay marriages, the Cardinal Archbishop of New York said, "The Catholic Church in United States, we stay with the Bible.