Bengaluru: The 27th annual assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, which represents 131 Latin dioceses, felt the Centre’s decision to deny visas, without assigning any valid reason, had created the wrong impression about the country, especially in the wake of recurrent vandalism at churches in Delhi and re-conversion in the name of ghar wapsi.

Fr Lawrence Culas, the national secretary of the Commission for Catechetics said, it was not clear at what level was the decision taken to deny visas to the senior prelates, who enjoy diplomat status.

“Whatever be the rationale for keeping them off a purely religious gathering, the impression gains ground that the government discriminates against people on the basis of religion. The powers-that-be should realise that the decision hurts sentiments. We are dismayed,” he said.