All TN Christian educational institutions will remain closed on October 24 to protest the ordinance. Church leaders will observe a fast in Chennai when the Assembly meets that day, Madurai Archbishop Rev. M. Arokiasamy said yesterday. Except BJP, all big political parties have expressed displeasure, he said. In a press release in Madurai, All India Catholic Union said obtaining a certificate from a government officer before changing one’s religion is impractical. Hindu Munnani leader Ramagopalan said if the schools close down, there are scores of organisations which would readily take over. He mentioned Satya Sai Seva Trust, Mata Amritanandamayi Trust, Sri Ramakrishna Mutt, and Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, and said the state should hand over Christian institutions to these trusts. Hindu Munnani will organise a conference in Madurai on October 20, Ramagopalan said.
