How are Christians persecuted in India?
- Religious nationalists believe that being Hindu is an important part of being Indian, and to them Indian Christians are seen as outsiders at best. Those who leave Hinduism to follow Jesus can be seen as traitors.
- Christians can face violent attacks and the destruction of their homes and churches.
- Christians can also face discrimination, such as being denied medical care.
“I am honoured to suffer for His name.”
Kaveri
- Another weapon increasingly used to target Christians (and other religious minorities) is anti-conversion laws, currently implemented in 12 states. In theory, the laws are meant to protect all religions, but the reality is very different. Even a constitutionally approved activity, like a prayer meeting, can lead to an accusation, arrest and interrogation. Kaveri* was hosting a prayer meeting when police arrested her after complaints were made that she was forcibly converting women to Christianity. Amazingly, she says, “Many others face even worse persecution for Christ – so why shouldn’t I endure this? I am honoured to suffer for His name.”
- In Manipur, scene of horrific ethnoreligious clashes in 2023, Christians are among those who continue to suffer, with many still displaced and vulnerable to attack.
Why are Christians persecuted in India?
- Hindu extremists believe that all Indians ought to be Hindu – and any faith outside of Hinduism is not welcome in India. They aim to cleanse the nation of Islam and Christianity.
- Those who leave Hinduism (or another faith) to follow Jesus can be seen as betraying their family or their community.
Who is particularly vulnerable in India?
- New believers from Hindu backgrounds bear the brunt of persecution – the pressure they face to return to Hinduism is constant.
- Christians active in outreach to Hindus are also targeted, particularly through the anti-conversion laws.
- There are some states (such as Kerala) where Christians are much less vulnerable, but Christians are particularly at risk of persecution in Hindu-majority states.
What has changed in India in the past year?
- Though India’s rank in the World Watch List has fallen by one position, the gravity of persecution remains much the same.
- The last year has seen a couple of troubling developments. Firstly, Jose and Sheeja Pappachan became the first Christians convicted under Uttar Pradesh’s increasingly strict anti-conversion law. They were fined and given five-year prison sentences.
- Meanwhile, house churches were banned in Chhattisgarh, a ruling supposedly aimed at maintaining cultural harmony. Following the order, many house churches were closed, with believers not given any written notice.
How can I help Christians in India?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in India. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors partners provide persecution survival training and other training, livelihood support and emergency aid.
*Name changed for security reasons
please pray
Lord Jesus, we rejoice that countless people in India are encountering You, often through healings and miracles. As the church’s presence and growth brings opposition, uphold our family with Your unfailing love. Meet every need and bring them through with an even stronger faith. We pray against the spread and misuse of anti-conversion laws, and a stop to other legal impediments to religious freedom. Locally and nationally, bring greater protection of minorities. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
