Conversion is a free personal act and the birthright of everybody,'' Archbishop Alan de Lastic, president of the United Christian Forum for Human Rights, told a news conference. De Lastic also questioned a demand by some hardliners that the Pope must clearly state that all religions were equal and that Christianity was not the only route to salvation. Every individual has the right to profess his religion,'' he said. Hindu activists say Christian groups use money and other unfair incentives to lure members of tribal groups into religious conversions.
Christian groups say the missionaries only work for charity.
De Lastic said he was unfazed by Hindu hardliners' recent threats to organise rallies during the Pope's November 5-8 visit to protest against the conversions. All contents are Copyrighted 1994-1999 Global Hindu Electronic Networks, unless otherwise indicated.