The Church of South India Diocese of Madras organised a mass protest demonstration at Rajarathnam Stadium in Egmore on January 12, condemning a wave of attacks on Christian communities during the Christmas season across multiple Indian states.
The protest, presided over by Rt Rev Paul Francis Ravichandran, Bishop in Madras, witnessed participation from bishops, clergy and representatives of various Christian denominations, reflecting strong ecumenical solidarity. Leaders from the Catholic Church, Evangelical Church of India, Pentecostal churches and the Arcot Lutheran Church joined the demonstration.
Adv C Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary of the Church of South India and Central Committee Member of the World Council of Churches, Geneva, delivered a message of condemnation at the gathering. He drew attention to constitutional safeguards, provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the moral responsibility of the State to protect minority communities. Emphasising India’s pluralistic ethos, he highlighted “the shared cultural practice of giving and receiving gifts and respecting the festivals and faith expressions of all religious communities.”
The protest followed statements released by the Church of South India on December 25 and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on December 23, expressing deep concern over the alarming rise in attacks on Christians during Christmas.
According to church leaders, Christians celebrating Christmas faced hostility across several states including Delhi, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The incidents included threats against carol singers, vandalism of Christmas decorations, harassment of those attending church services, and disruption of worship gatherings.
“Until now, we have never witnessed so many incidents, especially on Christmas Day or during Christmas celebrations,” the CSI statement noted. “When even peaceful Christmas celebrations are met with threats or disruptions, it spreads fear and insecurity among people.”
Church leaders warned that such actions violate Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of conscience and the free profession, practice and propagation of religion. “These rights are the foundation of our pluralistic and secular democratic framework. Any attempt to intimidate, silence, or marginalise individuals on the basis of their faith not only violates these constitutional freedoms but also undermines the ethos of mutual respect for which our nation has long been admired,” C Fernandas Rathina Raja stated.
Rt Rev Dr Jaisingh Prince Prabhakaran, Bishop in Madurai-Ramnad Diocese, participated in the protest alongside Synod department directors, staff and representatives from several CSI dioceses across Tamil Nadu.
Rt Rev Dr Lawrence Pius, Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, highlighted the significant contribution of Christians to nation building through education, healthcare and social service while reaffirming the Christian commitment to non-violence, peace and religious harmony.
The incidents occurred despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Christmas Eve visit to a Protestant cathedral in New Delhi. The Madras Courier noted the paradox that while the Prime Minister participated in a televised Christmas Eve Mass marked by messages praising harmony and India’s multi-religious traditions, Christians elsewhere came under attack.
The Church of South India expressed solidarity with all those affected by these incidents, mourning the pain endured by families and communities, particularly children who experienced harassment during a season meant for joy, peace and reconciliation.
The church called upon civil society, religious leaders of all faiths and governmental authorities to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety of minority communities and create conditions in which all citizens can celebrate their festivals without fear or discrimination.
Article photos from here.
