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 have submitted an urgent appeal to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 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 Bharat and the Union Government.
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.
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 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.
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 urges 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:
1.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.
4.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.