Christian leaders in India send Murmu and Modi an urgent appeal

Amidst an alarming trend of rising intolerance, hostility, and incidents targeting Christians, ranging from threats and disruptions to arrests and outright attacks, more than 400 influential Christian leaders and 30 church groups sent an urgent appeal the last week of December to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The letter 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. 

“This appeal is born out of the deep pain we have witnessed in the lives of victims and their families, whose stories of suffering and resilience we encounter almost daily,” said Vijayesh Lal, Secretary General of the EFI. “It comes at a time when attacks on minorities, especially Christians, are growing unchecked, tearing at the fabric of our shared peace and harmony. We urge our leaders to act decisively – not only to deliver justice but to bring hope and healing to a nation that risks losing its unity. The timing of this appeal is critical; it is a heartfelt plea to safeguard the dignity and security of every citizen before more lives are irreparably scarred.”

Systemic concerns raised in the appeal include: 

• The misuse of anti-conversion laws that led 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 demand to delist Christian tribals from the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list thus discriminating against them based on faith, undermining constitutional protections and social harmony. 

Further, 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. 

“In Assam, The Healing (Prevention and Evil) Act 2024, coupled with the existing Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954, have been manipulated to target Christian pastors, church workers, and believers. Over 12 pastors, church workers, and believers have been booked under these laws, which is a grave concern for the Christian community in Assam. Moreover, the recent ban on beef consumption in hotels and common gatherings has become another pretext to target the community.

“Therefore, it’s imperative to address these issues collectively, as a unified approach can facilitate addressing these challenges and fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society in Assam and the Northeast. “

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 signatories call to order swift and impartial investigations into incidents targeting religious minorities

21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby said “We remain concerned about the scapegoating of religious minorities, including Christians. For example, Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister recently expressed his intention to implement the so-called Freedom of Religions Act of 1978 which violates both India’s constitution and international human rights law.

We call on the Indian government to work towards a genuinely inclusive democracy where Christians and other religious minorities feel at home and safe to practice their faith. Specifically, we call for the repeal of anti-conversion and similar legislation, and to act decisively against violence targeting Christians and other religious minorities.”

The appeal to President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be found here.

This article was first published on thee website of 21Wilberforce, and re-published with permission.