By Anto Akkara
Bangalore, India, Jan 7, 2025 / 12:30 pm
More than 400 Christian and civil leaders, along with 30 church groups, have come together in an appeal to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They are calling for immediate and decisive action to address the surge in violence against Christians, especially during Christmas prayers and celebrations.
The appeal, sent on Dec. 31 to Prime Minister Modi and federal President Droupadi Murmu, highlights the distress felt by Christian leaders of various denominations due to attacks in villages and towns across multiple states on Christmas Day.
Incidents targeting Christians during the recent Christmas season numbered at least 14, with threats, disruptions, arrests, and physical attacks being reported. This alarming trend of rising intolerance and hostility is a cause for concern.
Recent incidents include Hindu groups disrupting Christmas services at a Catholic cathedral in Lucknow, forcing the removal of Christmas decorations at a school in Gujarat, stopping carol singers and threatening teachers in Madhya Pradesh, and even stripping a food delivery man of his Santa dress in Bangalore.
The appeal reminds Prime Minister Modi of his recent condemnation of violence and disharmony during a speech to Catholic prelates, just two days before these incidents occurred. At the Christmas celebration of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in New Delhi, Modi emphasized the importance of promoting love, harmony, and brotherhood.
It is disheartening to witness attempts to spread violence and disrupt society, especially during a time meant for spreading joy and goodwill. The appeal urges immediate action to curb these acts of intolerance and protect the rights of all citizens to practice their faith in peace.
