Christian council condemns attack on Kerala church

The All India Christian Council condemned an attack at a church in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala by Hindutva activists alleging large-scale conversion activities in the area.

The activists, numbering around 20, attacked the church at Kozhencherry Pulladu Junction in Pathanamthitta district on 2 August 2009.

They came armed with lethal weapons and attacked Joe Kaithavana, the Pastor of the church, and Deepu, one of his believers late in the evening while they having their supper, according to the aicc.

"The culprits first used abusive words and beat them up, leaving them badly injured. They also caused extensive damage to the church building. Later both the victims have been admitted to the district hospital at Kozencherry," reported aicc.

The Christian council condemned the attack and sought action against the culprits.

In another incident, a mob of about 40 Hindu extremists allegedly from Dharam Sena attacked Sneh Sadan Institute (Home of Love) on July 26, 2009, in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

According to Compass Direct News, Hindu extremists shouting anti-Christian slogans tried to enter the institute for the handicapped run by the Methodist Church. They filed a police complaint against the home manager, Lily Paul, for alleged forceful conversion.

"Sneh Sadan is the abode of about 40 special people, and the incident has left us shaken," Paul said.

Police has provided protection for the home and has promised to carry out an inquiry.