Bhubaneshwar, Orissa, India Dec 29:  With this growing environment of communal harmony and cooperation, all efforts must be made to rehabilitate the thousands of displaced citizens who have scattered across Orissa and even to other parts of India. The next challenge for the Church is to work with the government and other sectors of society to rebuild homes, businesses and community life.

"The four month old camp life existence of the innocent, vulnerable and weak cannot continue for long," says Dr. Howell. "Serious questions still have to be addressed. Even if the people return to their villages, how will they be accepted? Will they be forced to convert to Hinduism? How do we ensure peace, justice and coexistence? For many their houses lie in ruins. It will be extremely difficult to earn their daily bread.

We close this prayer from Dr. Jirimio Digal, secretary of AWARD, Agency for Welfare and Rural Development and field representative of the Foundation for International Research and Education:

"As men and women of peace and as truth seekers, may God grant us on this Christmas Day, a sense of "we" or oneness to share our peace and joy with our fellow brothers who are still struggling to protect their dignity. Let the Lord grant us renewed wisdom and courage to stand united, staying away from any sort of prejudices, for the greater mission of His Kingdom, and demonstrating the purity of our living faith on Jesus Christ.

Friends of Orissa

Foundation for International Research and Education