Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Major Archbishop George Cardinal Alencherry on Tuesday opined that proposed anti-conversion laws would pave way for spreading hatred among the people of different religions.
"Making new anti-conversion laws will pave the way for creating animosity among believers of different religions, thereby destroying peace and harmony that exists today," Alencherry said during a function to celebrate the canonization of Saint Chavara and Saint Euphresia in the national capital.
"We do firmly hold that conversion is a matter of one's personal decision and that conversion cannot be done through forced means. If anyone uses forceful ways to propagate one's religion he or she needs to be taken to task by the laws of the country," he added.
Lauding Prime Minister Modi's vision on 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', he said, "The Christian community is also working towards the development of this country."
On Sunday, Father Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Sister Euphrasia had been canonized by Pope Francis in November 2014 at St Peter's Square in the Vatican City.