Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Sep 16: Christian leaders belonging to various denominations of Karnataka region submitted a memorandum to MLA JR Lobo, chairman of legislative committee on the welfare of backward classes and minorities at his office in Mangaluru on Wednesday, September 16.

The memorandum seeks financial aid and other benefits from the government for the Christian community to travel to the Holy Land particularly Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Mount Sinai in Africa.

The memorandum says that Christians from the state have been visiting these holy places for years and the number has gone up significantly of late. Christians being the second biggest minority community of Karnataka, should also get travel benefits the way the Muslims get for their Haj pilgrimages, the memorandum says.

Jayakar Samartha, representing CSI, Karnataka South, Dr Suranjan Maben, Sashipal Shettiyan and Fr J B Crasta, parish priest of Holy Rosary Cathedral, MP Noronha secretery of diocese committee, Fr William Menezes, PRO of Mangaluru diocese and Anil Lobo from Catholic Sabha were part of the delegation that submitted the memorandum.