In an unprecedented move, over 400 Christian leaders across India have come together to voice their concerns directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the escalating violence against Christian communities. This collective appeal, made public during the Christmas season of 2024, underscores a growing crisis within one of the world’s largest democracies.
The letter, signed by bishops, pastors, and lay leaders from various denominations, calls for immediate action to quell the tide of religious intolerance that has seen an uptick in attacks against Christians, especially in rural and tribal areas. The leaders have highlighted numerous incidents where Christian gatherings, including prayer meetings and Christmas celebrations, have been disrupted, and individuals have faced physical assaults and false accusations under laws designed to prevent religious conversion.
“India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, yet what we are witnessing is a blatant disregard for these rights,” said one of the signatories, a prominent bishop from Kerala. The Christian leaders are not only demanding an end to the violence but are also seeking accountability. They have urged for:
- Swift and impartial investigationsinto each reported incident of violence against Christians.
- Clear guidelines to protect the freedom of religion and expression for all citizens.
- Regular dialogues with representatives from all religious communities to foster understanding and peace.
This appeal comes at a time when India is under international scrutiny for its human rights record. Critics of the Modi government argue that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Hindu nationalist agenda has emboldened extremist groups to target minorities with impunity. The BJP, in defense, has often stated that they uphold the law and that any violence is not state-sanctioned but acts of rogue elements.
However, data from various human rights organizations and local reports suggest a pattern of increasing hostility towards religious minorities, particularly since Modi’s re-election. The violence is not only physical but also involves social ostracism, legal harassment, and digital hate campaigns against Christians, Muslims, and other groups.
The Christian leaders’ letter also points to the misuse of anti-conversion laws in several states, which they claim are used to falsely charge individuals for practicing their faith. These laws, they argue, are often leveraged by local vigilante groups to intimidate and prosecute Christians under the pretext of forced conversions.
The international community has taken note, with several Western countries raising concerns in bilateral talks about the deteriorating condition of religious freedom in India. Human rights organizations have echoed these worries, calling for international pressure to ensure India adheres to its constitutional commitments.
The response from the Indian government has been mixed. While some officials have acknowledged the need for peace and security for all citizens, there’s been a reluctance to directly address the allegations of systemic bias against minorities. Modi himself has yet to comment directly on this specific plea from Christian leaders, though his administration has previously emphasized India’s secular credentials and commitment to all religions.
As this situation unfolds, the global eyes are on India, watching how one of the world’s largest democracies navigates the complex interplay of religion, politics, and human rights. The Christian leaders’ demand for action against religious violence is not just a plea for their community but a test of India’s commitment to the pluralistic and inclusive society enshrined in its constitution.