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. The demand infringes on the freedom of every person. 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. This is a free and democratic country. Tensions involving Christians across India have grown since the beginning of this year when priests were attacked and prayer halls burnt in the western state of Gujarat. Christian missionaries and activists blamed right-wing Hindu organisations for the attacks. Singhal said his organisation had nothing to do with the attacks, and alleged that Hindu bodies were being subject to false and malicious propaganda.