They are also calling out the prime minister.
At the close of 2024, over 400 Christian leaders across India issued a fervent plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to address the increasing violence against Christians, which saw a significant spike during the Christmas season. Modi, affiliated with the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has faced criticism for the rise in hostilities against religious minorities under his administration. In their December 31 appeal, the leaders highlighted more than 720 cases of Christian-targeted violence reported to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) from January to mid-December 2024, alongside 760 incidents recorded by the United Christian Forum (UCF) by November’s end.
The leaders expressed dismay over the lack of condemnation from senior political figures and pointed to the rise in hate speech, particularly by elected officials, which they believe has emboldened perpetrators. They noted that at least 14 attacks on Christians occurred during the Christmas period, including arrests, disruptions of religious gatherings, and direct assaults. The letter further criticized the misuse of anti-conversion laws that have led to over 110 clergy arrests and detailed how exclusionary policies deny Dalit Christians Scheduled Caste status, perpetuating historical discrimination.
A particularly troubling situation, according to the leaders, is the ongoing crisis in Manipur, where more than 250 people have been killed, 360 churches destroyed, and thousands displaced since mid-2023. They urged Modi to take an active role in promoting peace and reconciliation in the region, emphasizing that restoring harmony in Manipur is vital for national unity. The appeal also called for impartial investigations into the attacks, stronger protections for religious freedom, and the establishment of regular dialogues with faith communities to promote inclusiveness.
The letter criticized recent developments, such as stricter anti-conversion laws in Uttar Pradesh and revived restrictions in Arunachal Pradesh, which impose severe limitations on religious activities without adequate safeguards for minorities. In Assam, Christian leaders reported that legislation such as the Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act, 2024, is being used to harass pastors and church workers, with over a dozen individuals charged under such laws.
Furthermore, the leaders highlighted how regulations and bans on beef consumption have been weaponized to target Christian communities, and church-run institutions like hospitals and schools are facing increased scrutiny from authorities. They voiced support for legitimate oversight but warned against its misuse for harassment. The appeal concluded by urging Modi to promote fair governance for all citizens, emphasizing that protecting minority rights aligns with India’s vision of justice and inclusivity.
India’s worsening religious freedom was underscored by its 11th-place ranking on the 2024 World Watch List by Open Doors, a Christian advocacy organization. The country had ranked 31st in 2013, with conditions deteriorating after Modi’s rise to power in 2014.