Missing the Mark: Inviting PM Modi to a Christmas reception ignores the plight of persecuted Christians

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 23, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to attend a Christmas reception organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from Christian leaders and human rights advocates globally. The gesture, seen as a conciliatory move by sections of the Christian hierarchy, has been condemned as ignoring the escalating plight of persecuted Christians in India.

Prominent figures, including activists and religious leaders, have voiced concerns about the perceived normalization of government inaction regarding Christian persecution. They argue that such symbolic engagements fail to address the pressing issues of targeted violence, harassment, and social ostracization faced by Christians across the country.

The critics emphasize that the Modi government has been repeatedly accused of failing to protect religious minorities, a concern compounded by reports of increasing violence and intimidation against Christians. This context makes the invitation to Modi particularly contentious, as it risks legitimizing the very government that many believe has done little to address these concerns.

The data paints a grim picture. According to the United Christian Forum (UCF), 486 incidents of anti-Christian violence were reported in 2022 alone. By November 2024, that number had surged to 745. These include physical assaults, intimidation, destruction of churches, and even killings. The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has also documented a steady rise in violence since 2014, coinciding with the BJP’s ascent to power.

Hindutva nationalism, propagated by groups such as the Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), has been identified as a driving force behind these attacks. These organizations have often been accused of inciting violence with tacit support from political entities. Anti-conversion laws, enacted in 13 states, have further exacerbated the situation, with these statutes frequently misused to target Christian communities.

India’s religious freedom has come under scrutiny internationally. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has listed India as a “Country of Particular Concern,” and numerous human rights organizations have raised alarms about the deteriorating situation for Christians and other minorities.

Christian leaders have urged the CBCI and other institutional heads to prioritize addressing the community’s challenges over fostering symbolic political engagements. They argue that inviting Modi to a Christmas celebration undermines efforts to hold the government accountable and sends a contradictory message about the community’s resilience in the face of oppression.

The broader Christian community, alongside human rights advocate, continues to call for urgent and meaningful action to address the rising tide of persecution. While interfaith dialogue and engagement remain important, critics stress that such efforts should not come at the cost of ignoring or undermining the very real struggles of those suffering on the ground.