"The outrage claimed by the priest of Our Lady of Velankanni Church, and representatives of the piously incensed Association of Concerned Catholics (AOCC) has demanded that Edamaruku publicly apologize for having the audacity to say out loud that water flowing from a statue in their church was a leak in the sewage system and not — as the Indian media and the Church had loudly proclaimed — a miracle.
Dr.Sanal Edamarukul said that when he reached the spot of the supposed miracle, a priest was leading a prayer on the road near the cross. He was given a photograph of the statue dripping water with the word ‘miracle’ written on it.
The Doctors investigation showed seepage on the wall behind the cross and on the ground near its base when, “I removed one of the stones covering a canal for dirty water nearby, and found that water had been blocked there. Once water is blocked, it will find an outlet, if not downwards, then upwards. Every student knows that trees get water through capillary action
Dr. Edamarukul may be arrested any moment now being accused of blasphemy against religion .
James Randi,Sketic & Rationalist has at http://www.wired.com/... said: "Local representatives of the Catholic Church have filed charges under section 295A of the Indian Penal Code which makes it a crime “to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.”
Dr.Edamaruku has flatly refused to surrender to their demands, so they filed a blasphemy case against him. He currently remains at large.
The threat to arrest this well known and dedicated rationalist who has been exposing “miracles” and superstitious beliefs in his own country for more than three decades is a serious attack on freedom of expression, designed to harass and silence him.
Dr.Edamaruku has sought to exercise his constitutional right to develop scientific thinking, the spirit of inquiry, reform, and humanism IN INDIA" which by the way IS A DEMOCRACY. (Opinion of the James Randi Educational Foundation.I It can be noted that “The Amazing” Randi has embarked on a series of public crusades to expose America’s beloved psychics, mentalists, preachers, and faith healers with religious fervor" as has Dr. Edamaruku in India. Ref: http://www.csicop.org/...
Obviously, as in our American Democracy recently, hardliners of the Catholic Church show no shame in attempts to impose their hegemony where ever they choose in attempt to control people & governments, IMO .
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