The Christian body calls for political resolve beyond symbolic outreach, warning that the lack of accountability was emboldening perpetrators
NEW DELHI — Amid continued reports of violence and intimidation against Christians across the country, the All India Catholic Union (AICU) has urged the Union government to take firm and credible steps to counter what it described as a deepening climate of hate targeting religious minorities.
In a New Year statement, the 106-year-old organisation said attacks on Christians—particularly during the Christmas season—were not isolated incidents but direct assaults on India’s pluralistic and secular foundations. The Christian body called for political resolve beyond symbolic outreach, warning that the lack of accountability was emboldening perpetrators.
“As we step into 2026, this is both a solemn reminder and a hopeful call to action,” AICU National President Er Elias Vaz said. “Through unity, education and principled advocacy, we must work towards an India where diversity is respected and every citizen’s rights are protected from hate and discrimination.”
According to the AICU, the Christian community—especially in BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha—faced a particularly difficult year in 2025. Citing data from monitoring groups and media reports, the organisation said the United Christian Forum (UCF) documented 706 incidents of violence and harassment between January and November 2025, while the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) reported similar trends. Uttar Pradesh accounted for 183 cases, followed by Chhattisgarh with around 156.
The reported incidents ranged from physical assaults and disruptions of prayer meetings to vandalism of churches, intimidation of worshippers and allegations of forced religious conversions. Violence spiked during the Christmas season, with more than 20 incidents reported in north India alone.
Media reports during the festive period pointed to disruptions at over 60 Christmas-related events nationwide. These included attacks on carol singers in Kerala, vandalism of Christmas decorations in shopping malls in Chhattisgarh, and harassment of worshippers in Madhya Pradesh, including an incident in which a local political leader allegedly confronted a visually impaired woman. In some areas, posters calling for a boycott of Christmas were displayed, while vendors selling festive items reported threats.
The Christian group acknowledged the presence of senior political leaders at Christmas events, including Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, who attended celebrations organised by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and later hosted Catholic and Protestant bishops at his official residence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited a cathedral in New Delhi during Christmas services.
However, the organisation said such symbolic gestures had not translated into effective protection on the ground. “Assurances that violence will end are not enough,” the AICU said, adding that prosecutions remain rare and deterrence weak.
The group attributed the prevailing atmosphere in part to hate speech and xenophobic rhetoric by political leaders and organisations affiliated with the Sangh Parivar. It also alleged that anti-conversion laws in 12 states were frequently misused to justify harassment, despite scant evidence of forced conversions.
Beyond physical violence, the AICU highlighted administrative pressures on Christian institutions, particularly restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). Delays and cancellations of licences, it said, have adversely affected organisations working in education, healthcare and social welfare.
Calling for unity among minorities and greater awareness of constitutional safeguards, the AICU proposed a “New Year Charter” for 2026. The charter calls for programmes to educate citizens on religious freedom under Articles 25 to 28 of the Constitution, safeguards against manipulation of electoral rolls, assurances that the upcoming census does not deepen social divisions, restoration of FCRA licences for genuine NGOs, and an end to interference in Christian educational institutions.
Christians make up about 2.3 per cent of India’s population and play a significant role in the country’s education and healthcare sectors, the AICU said, stressing that the community seeks only the equal rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Warning that the situation demands urgent corrective action, the organisation said India must reaffirm its commitment to secularism, constitutional equality and the rule of law to ensure safety and dignity for all citizens.
