CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC LIFE A THEOLOGICAL RESPONSE

Indian Theological Association (ITA) ITA Statement 2012

Abstract

“Corruption in Public Life: A Theological Response” was the theme for the 35th Annual Meeting cum Seminar of the Indian Theological Association (ITA) held from October 19 to 23, 2012. We, the members, assembled at the Bishop’s House, Jalandhar, Punjab, to reflect on this theme—a concern that has caused great anger and agitation nationwide, leading to protests from every sector of Indian society. The theme was selected since the issue of corruption is being widely discussed, and movements against corruption have received tremendous support from civil society. The desire to free Indian society from the bane of corruption has fired the imagination of people of all walks of life. Amidst the darkness of massive corruption, it is very likely that people feel helpless and hopeless. However, the movements against corruption evoke great hope in the possibility of preventing the poisonous spread of this social malaise. We affirm that both the perpetrators of corruption as well as its victims are dehumanized as they compromise gravely with the quality of their human life, the nobility of their call, and the dignity of their nation when they indulge in corrupt practices or let themselves be victims of corruption for whatever reasons.