Panaji: The Goa Church on Monday expressed its deep anguish and profound hurt over the event Tales of Kamasutra and Christmas Celebrations, which was scheduled to be held in the coastal state from December 25–28, 2025.
The event, advertised on social media under the banner of the Bhagwan Rajneesh Foundation, was stopped by Goa Police.
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao, in a statement issued on Monday, said that such portrayals not only disrespect the religious beliefs of an entire community but also erode the values of mutual respect and decency that our diverse society cherishes.
He noted that Christmas is a holy time for Christians across the world — a season of joy, peace and the remembrance of God’s love made manifest in the birth of Jesus Christ. Distorting this sacred occasion by linking it to themes entirely unrelated and contrary to its spiritual essence is deeply offensive to the faith and sentiments of millions.
He added that such portrayals disrespect the religious beliefs of an entire community and undermine the values of mutual respect and decency cherished by society.
The Archbishop urged the creators and promoters of the advertisement to reflect on the pain it has caused, withdraw the content immediately, and ensure that future communications uphold the dignity of all faiths.
He further said that freedom of expression carries a responsibility to respect the sacred convictions of others and urged the authorities to make necessary inquiries into the event.
Fr Ferrao appealed to Catholics not to associate with any event that does not respect the values of the faith and encouraged all people of goodwill to foster understanding, respect and harmony.
Goa Police on Sunday issued a statement saying they had asked the organisers not to go ahead with the event. The police action followed a formal complaint filed by NGO ARZ (Anyay Rahit Zindagi).
