The Crossbill News Desk
Over 400 senior Christian leaders and representatives from 30 church groups have submitted an urgent appeal to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for immediate and decisive action against the increasing incidents of violence targeting Christian gatherings across the country.
The appeal highlights that these attacks, particularly during Christmas prayers and celebrations, have instilled fear within Christian communities and tarnished India’s image and that of the Union government.
At least 14 such incidents were reported during the recent Christmas season alone, ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and violent assaults.
The leaders underscored an alarming rise in intolerance, citing troubling statistics from organizations like the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFIRLC) and the United Christian Forum (UCF).
According to the appeal, over 720 cases of violence against Christians were reported to EFIRLC between January and mid-December 2024, with UCF documenting 760 incidents by November's end.
The appeal also pointed to the misuse of anti-conversion laws, which led to the arrest and harassment of more than 110 clergy members.
Furthermore, the passage of the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, by the Assam government was flagged as a significant threat to religious freedom through state actions.
Christian leaders expressed concern about escalating hate speech and harassment, including restrictions on peaceful prayer meetings and the distribution of religious literature.
They also condemned efforts to delist Christian tribals from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, describing such moves as discriminatory and contrary to constitutional protections, which they argued undermine social harmony.
The ongoing crisis in Manipur was another pressing issue highlighted in the appeal. Since May 2023, over 250 people have lost their lives, more than 360 churches have been destroyed, and thousands have been displaced.
The leaders urged the Prime Minister to take a visible and active role in fostering peace and reconciliation in the state, emphasizing that healing Manipur is essential for India’s unity and integrity.
The signatories called on the President and Prime Minister to initiate swift and impartial investigations into incidents targeting religious minorities, issue clear directives to state governments to safeguard constitutional rights to religious freedom, and facilitate regular dialogue with representatives of all faith communities to promote harmony.
The appeal concludes with a plea for urgent action to address these pressing issues, ensuring justice, peace, and the protection of religious freedoms across India.
The signatories, comprising prominent Christian leaders such as Thomas Abraham, David Onesimu, Joab Lohara, Richard Howell, Mary Scaria, Cedric Prakash S.J., John Dayal, Prakash Louis S.J., Zelhou Keyho, E.H. Kharkongor, Allen Brooks, K. Losii Mao, Akhilesh Edgar, Michael Williams, A.C. Michael, and Vijayesh Lal, voiced their profound concern over the growing trend of intolerance and hostility.
The appeal highlights that these attacks, particularly during Christmas prayers and celebrations, have instilled fear within Christian communities and tarnished India’s image and that of the Union government.
At least 14 such incidents were reported during the recent Christmas season alone, ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and violent assaults.
The leaders underscored an alarming rise in intolerance, citing troubling statistics from organizations like the Religious Liberty Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFIRLC) and the United Christian Forum (UCF).
According to the appeal, over 720 cases of violence against Christians were reported to EFIRLC between January and mid-December 2024, with UCF documenting 760 incidents by November's end.
The appeal also pointed to the misuse of anti-conversion laws, which led to the arrest and harassment of more than 110 clergy members.
Furthermore, the passage of the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, by the Assam government was flagged as a significant threat to religious freedom through state actions.
Christian leaders expressed concern about escalating hate speech and harassment, including restrictions on peaceful prayer meetings and the distribution of religious literature.
They also condemned efforts to delist Christian tribals from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, describing such moves as discriminatory and contrary to constitutional protections, which they argued undermine social harmony.
The ongoing crisis in Manipur was another pressing issue highlighted in the appeal. Since May 2023, over 250 people have lost their lives, more than 360 churches have been destroyed, and thousands have been displaced.
The leaders urged the Prime Minister to take a visible and active role in fostering peace and reconciliation in the state, emphasizing that healing Manipur is essential for India’s unity and integrity.
The signatories called on the President and Prime Minister to initiate swift and impartial investigations into incidents targeting religious minorities, issue clear directives to state governments to safeguard constitutional rights to religious freedom, and facilitate regular dialogue with representatives of all faith communities to promote harmony.
The appeal concludes with a plea for urgent action to address these pressing issues, ensuring justice, peace, and the protection of religious freedoms across India.
The signatories, comprising prominent Christian leaders such as Thomas Abraham, David Onesimu, Joab Lohara, Richard Howell, Mary Scaria, Cedric Prakash S.J., John Dayal, Prakash Louis S.J., Zelhou Keyho, E.H. Kharkongor, Allen Brooks, K. Losii Mao, Akhilesh Edgar, Michael Williams, A.C. Michael, and Vijayesh Lal, voiced their profound concern over the growing trend of intolerance and hostility.
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