During this Christmas season alone, at least 14 incidents targeting Christians were reported, ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and outright attacks, underscoring an alarming trend of rising intolerance and hostility.
Groundxero | Jan.2, 2025
Christmas celebrations in India were overshadowed by violent incidents on December 25, 2024, as several states reported attacks on minority Christian communities. The violence, allegedly carried out by members of several rightwing organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, occurred in states such as Manipur, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala. The attacks, which involved assaults on religious leaders, educational institutions, and individuals participating in Christmas events, created a sense of fear and unrest, disrupting the festive atmosphere.
Shocked by the surge in violence against Christians in general and especially during Christmas prayers and celebrations, over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 church groups submitted an urgent appeal to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The appeal points to troubling statistics from organizations like the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFIRLC) and the United Christian Forum (UCF). Between January and mid-December 2024, over 720 incidents of violence targeting Christians were reported to the EFIRLC, with 760 cases recorded by UCF by the end of November. During this Christmas season alone, at least 14 incidents targeting Christians were reported, ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and outright attacks, underscoring an alarming trend of rising intolerance and hostility. The appeal calls for immediate and decisive action to curb the activities of violent mobs that have targeted Christian gatherings across the country, terrorizing communities and tarnishing the image of the country.
The appeal raised the issue of misuse of the Freedom of Religion laws, more commonly known as anti-conversion laws, by various states have led to the harassment and arrest of innocent Christians on unsubstantiated allegations. It pointed out that over 110 Christian clergy members are currently in jail, with some denied bail, and over the years, more than 1,000 individuals professing the Christian faith have been incarcerated under these laws.
The appeal also raised concern over systemic challenges facing the community, including the policy of excluding Dalit Christians from Scheduled Caste status because of their religion, disregarding their historic and generational deprivation and oppression by society.
The appeal said that disparities between the treatments of different faiths undermine Article 25 of our Constitution, which guarantees to all citizens the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion. They also violate Article 19, which ensures our right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, it added.
Prominent signatories of the appeal include Bishop Thomas Abraham, Bishop David Onesimu, Bishop Joab Lohara, Rev Dr. Richard Howell, Sr. Mary Scaria, Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ, Dr. John Dayal, Fr. Prakash Louis SJ, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho, Rev Dr EH Kharkongor, Mr. Allen Brooks, Rev. K Losii Mao, Rev. Dr. Akhilesh Edgar, Dr. Michael Willams, Mr. A C Michael and Rev. Vijayesh Lal, along with 400 other influential Christian leaders from the nation. Noted civil rights activist Shabnam Hashmi also signed the letter in solidarity.
The appeal focuses on systemic concerns, including:
- The misuse of anti-conversion laws leading to the arrest and harassment of over 110 clergy members.
- Growing threats to religious freedoms through state actions, such as the implementation of the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, in Assam.
- Escalating hate speech and harassment of Christian communities, including restrictions on peaceful prayer meetings and the distribution of religious literature.
- Exclusionary policies denying Dalit Christians Scheduled Caste status, perpetuating historic injustices.
The Christian leaders also expressed deep concern about the ongoing crisis and violence in Manipur, where over 250 lives have been lost, over 360 churches destroyed, and thousands displaced since May 2023. The appeal urged the Prime Minister to play a visible and active role in fostering peace and reconciliation in the region, emphasizing that the healing of Manipur is crucial for the unity and integrity of India.
The signatories have called on the President and Prime Minister to:
- Order swift and impartial investigations into incidents targeting religious minorities.
2. Issue clear guidelines to state governments on protecting constitutional rights to religious freedom.
3. Initiate regular dialogue with representatives of all faith communities.
- Protect the fundamental right to freely profess and practice one’s faith.
The appeal reiterates that inclusivity and harmony are vital not only for the moral fabric of the nation but also for its economic and social prosperity. The statement concludes with an assurance of prayers for the country’s leaders and a commitment to building a united, peaceful, and prosperous India.
Enclosed: Text of Letter to President Murmu and Prime minister Narendra Modi
An appeal to the President and Prime minister of India
A cry from the heart of the Indian Christian Community
Dear President Smt. Draupadi Murmu, and Dear Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Greetings for the New Year 2025 from the Christian Community in India.
The Holy Bible teaches us that all authority is established by God, and those in leadership are entrusted with their position to serve and uphold justice [Romans 13:1].
The 2.3% Christians in India’s 1.40 billion population, implicitly believe in this. They are obedient to the rule of law established by the Constitution of India. We are committed to the values of patriotism, fraternity, equality, and freedom, including the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate our religion.
We cry out to you from the depths of our hearts, therefore, when we are attacked in villages and towns in several states from Chhattisgarh to Uttar Pradesh on Christmas Day, just two days after the Honourable the Prime minister in his address to our prelates condemned those inciting violence and spreading disharmony which caused disruption in society.
According to the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), over 720 incidents targeting Christians have already been reported this year till Mid-December. The United Christian Forum, which operates a toll-free helpline for Christian citizens facing persecution, has recorded 760 incidents up to the end of November. Alarmingly, during this Christmas season – a time for peace and joy – at least fourteen (14) attacks were carried out against Christian gatherings across India. It saddens us deeply that almost all political leaders from the highest in the Union government and the states, have chosen not to condemn them.
Rising hate speech, especially from elected officials, has emboldened acts of violence against Christians. Mobs disrupt peaceful Christian gatherings and threaten carol singers with impunity.
It is not just the suppurating wounds of Manipur, and the continuing violence in the last 20 months, that pain us, though it remains paramount in our hearts and in our minds. Both Kuki and Meitei communities have suffered immense losses. Over 250 precious lives have been lost, thousands of families have displaced, and over 360 churches have been destroyed since May 2023. The wounds of divided communities run deep. Manipur yearns for healing and reconciliation.
These are moments that call for the undivided attention of our Prime Minister. Visible leadership and personal engagement at the highest level. The prime minister of India is a powerful catalyst for peace and unity. The healing of Manipur is crucial not just for the Northeast, but for our vision of a united India.
Systemic Challenges: The New Year is also a time to bring to your attention several systemic challenges facing our community. The policy of excluding Dalit Christians from Scheduled Caste status because of their religion, disregards their historic and generational deprivation and oppression by society. This case seeking reservation benefits for Dalit Christians and Muslims has been pending before the Supreme Court since 2004, highlighting a significant delay that compounds the injustice.
The misuse of the Freedom of Religion laws, more commonly known as anti-conversion laws, by various states have led to the harassment and arrest of innocent Christians on unsubstantiated allegations. Over 110 Christian clergy members are currently in jail, with some denied bail. The recent amendments to the Uttar Pradesh law, prescribing severe punishments for forcible conversions, are the most draconian in independent India. Over the years, more than 1,000 individuals professing the Christian faith have been incarcerated under these laws. In Arunachal Pradesh, the revival and proposed implementation of the dormant Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 threatens to impose further restrictions on religious freedoms without safeguards for minority communities.
In Assam, the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, along with the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, is being used to target Christian pastors and church workers. Over 12 pastors, church workers, and believers have been booked under these acts. Additionally, a recent ban on beef consumption in hotels and common gatherings has become another tool of harassment.
Our Hospitals and Educational institutions, which count among their alumni many senior national leaders and military and civil servants, face stifling increasing scrutiny of by regulatory bodies, particularly the NCPCR. We fully support child protection measures and welcome constructive oversight, but such measures cannot become instruments of blackmail and pressure. Instances of brazen inspections of ladies’ hostels and orphanages run by nuns, coupled with arrests of nuns without due process, have spread fear and insecurity. We respectfully suggest the need for comprehensive guidelines and specialized training for law enforcement personnel to ensure due process and fair investigation in all these matters. This must be so for everyone, and not just for us.
This would align with your vision of justice for all and strengthen the faith of minorities inour institutions.
Addressing Religious Disparities: The freedom to distribute and sell religious texts like the Bhagavad Gita at street corners and weekly markets is a testament to India’s cherished values, enshrined in our constitution. Christians are routinely beaten up if they distribute the Bible, or even a small part of it.
This seems a part of the restrictions on peaceful assembly for prayers. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, peaceful home prayer meetings and even family celebrations are disturbed, and the families are being forced out of their homes.
Christians in the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh were denied dignity in death. Their parents were not allowed to bury them unless they recanted their faith. Adivasi women in Narayanpur have been stripped and assaulted for refusing to abandon their faith.
Such disparities between the treatments of different faiths undermine Article 25 of our Constitution, which guarantees to all citizens the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion. They also violate Article 19, which ensures our right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The Economic Case for Inclusivity: Inclusivity isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s an economic necessity for sustainable growth and national prosperity. The 2024 Nobel Laureates in Economics have made a compelling case — nations with credible and inclusive political institutions thrive. History repeatedly affirms this truth—when diverse voices are represented, nations flourish economically and socially.
Bharat, however, risks undermining this principle. Exclusionary politics, rising religious disharmony, and the marginalization of minorities threaten to become significant roadblocks to its progress.
We appeal to you, Honourable President, and Honourable the Prime Minister, to ensure equal rights for all, fostering an environment where every Indian feels safe, respected, and free to practice their faith.
We humbly request your intervention to ensure:
- Swift and impartial investigation of incidents against religious minorities
- Clear guidelines to state governments about protecting religious freedom as enshrined in our Constitution
- Establishment of regular dialogue between your office and representatives of all faith communities
- Concrete steps to protect the right to practice and profess one’s faith, as guaranteed by our Constitution.
Christians across India continue to pray for you and for the prosperity of our nation. We
remain committed to building a stronger, more united India.
With respect and hope,
Concerned Christian Citizens of India