Church Leaders Condemn Violence Against Christians Across the Country, Seek Urgent Intervention by PM Modi and Amit Shah
Cleemis also expressed concern over efforts to diminish the significance of Christmas, with other events being promoted to overshadow it.
Thiruvananthapuram: Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, has strongly condemned the attacks on Christians across the country.
The archbishop noted that hostility toward carol groups is growing both nationally and globally, and urged people to pray for those affected. “What can we say to those who spread hatred with such madness? May their hearts be filled with light. Christmas is a joyful festival that brings hope. Let’s celebrate without fear and embrace its true joy,” he said.
Cleemis also expressed concern over efforts to diminish the significance of Christmas, with other events being promoted to overshadow it. He stressed that no one but God can remove the name of Jesus from the earth. “We may face violence, threats, and intimidation, but we must stand together and encourage one another. Let us pray for our leaders, that they may govern with goodness and the fear of God,” he added.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to step in following repeated attacks on Christmas celebrations.
Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) President Archbishop Andrews Thazhath urged the Prime Minister to ensure law and order so that people can celebrate Christmas without fear.
The Congress criticised Modi for planning a church visit on Thursday, after the violence had subsided, while BJP leaders have remained silent. Church leaders have also appealed to both Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to protect religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
The CBCI has sharpened its criticism, blaming anti-national elements for the attacks, which they say are increasing each year. They voiced their concerns to Union Minister George Kurien at a Christmas party in Delhi, where he promised to take action. Leaders from various churches, including those in Kerala, have also shared their worries about the ongoing violence.
Despite widespread discussion of the footage showing an attack on a visually impaired woman in Madhya Pradesh, police have yet to confirm that a case has been registered. The BJP has remained silent, even as the CBCI has called for the removal of district vice-president Anju Bhargava, accused of leading the attack.
Earlier, police claimed they had not received any complaint regarding the assault on the Carol group in Delhi. The Congress is stepping up its criticism of the central government over violence in North India.