The Varapuzha archdiocese unit of the Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA) organized a significant demonstration on Sunday, voicing strong condemnation against a series of attacks targeting Christians across several Indian states during the recent Christmas celebrations.
Bishop Leads Call for Unity and Government Action
Auxiliary Bishop Antony Valumkal inaugurated the protest, which included a rally and a sit-in. He delivered a powerful address, calling for an immediate end to the anti-Christian attacks, which he stated are being carried out with the alleged connivance of local authorities. Bishop Valumkal urged the Christian community to unite in the face of these challenges. He reminded the nation that India is fundamentally a land of safety and secularism, and that the immense contributions of Christian missionaries and the community to the nation's development should never be forgotten.
The protest event saw a rally commence from the archdiocese headquarters, proceeding through the city and culminating at Mother Teresa Square located at the High Court Junction. The meeting was formally chaired by Roy D'Cunha, the president of the KLCA archdiocese unit.
KCBC Vigilance Commission Issues Stern Warning
Echoing the sentiments of the street protest, the vigilance commission of the influential Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) released a formal statement on the same day. The council emphasized that immediate government intervention is essential to curb the increasing violence against Christians in the country.
The KCBC statement cited reports from national media indicating a disturbing rise in such attacks in various regions. It pointed out a troubling pattern where organized attacks often coincide with major Christian festivals like Christmas and Holy Week, disrupting worship and celebration.
A Challenge to Constitutional Values and Harmony
The bishops' council acknowledged that the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders in Christmas events this year sent a positive message of mutual respect. However, it contrasted this with the ground reality where Christians in states like Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand faced violence and were denied their constitutional freedom of worship during Christmas.
The KCBC stated that these incidents represent a direct challenge to the Indian Constitution and expose intolerance from certain sections of society. It called upon both central and state governments to unequivocally reject all forms of communal polarization. The council demanded uncompromising legal action against the individuals and groups masterminding these attacks, which it said tarnish India's historic legacy of religious harmony and coexistence.
The protest in Kochi and the strong statement from the KCBC highlight growing anxiety within the Christian community in Kerala, a state with a significant Christian population, over the safety of their brethren in other parts of the country and the preservation of India's secular fabric.
