In a significant development, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has made a heartfelt plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to publicly condemn the escalating attacks on Christians and churches across the nation. Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, the president of CBCI, voiced these concerns during a press conference held in Bengaluru, just one day before the commencement of the CBCI's 37th general body meeting.
Archbishop Thazhath's Appeal to the Prime Minister
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath emphasized the growing fear within the Christian community due to religiously motivated assaults. He stated, "We are afraid of the attacks on Christians based on religion. We want the prime minister to take necessary precautions and condemn such acts." Thazhath highlighted that the CBCI has consistently approached government authorities following incidents, but often receives responses attributing the violence to fringe groups. He urged the government to take control of these elements, asserting that protecting minority rights is a fundamental duty of the state.
Context of Recent Incidents
The archbishop's statement comes in the wake of several alarming events. Notably, a pastor named Bipin Bihari Naik was allegedly attacked by Bajrang Dal workers in Odisha, where he was forced to consume cow dung and chant religious slogans. Additionally, in August 2025, Catholic nuns and priests from Kerala faced assaults by Bajrang Dal members in Odisha. Thazhath pointed out that such attacks occur in various forms and regions, underscoring a pattern of intimidation that has particularly intensified during the Christmas season.
Upcoming CBCI Meeting in Bengaluru
The CBCI's 37th general body meeting is scheduled to begin in Bengaluru under the theme "Faith and the Nation: The Church's Witness to India's Constitutional Vision." The agenda includes discussions on recent Supreme Court directives regarding anti-conversion laws, which were issued to the central government and twelve states. Prominent speakers like former Supreme Court judge Justice K M Joseph and professor D Dominic will address the current socio-political context and constitutional values, reflecting the meeting's focus on legal and societal challenges.
Broader Implications and Community Response
Archbishop Thazhath reiterated the Christian community's commitment to nation-building, stating, "We Christians have contributed to nation-building and will continue to do that." However, he expressed concern over religious discrimination hindering this contribution. The CBCI's appeal highlights a call for political neutrality, as Thazhath noted, "Some political parties may have a political way of doing it. We are not political people," emphasizing the need for governmental action over partisan approaches.
This development underscores ongoing tensions surrounding religious freedom in India, with the CBCI seeking stronger condemnation and protective measures from the highest levels of government to ensure safety and constitutional rights for all minorities.
