All India Catholic Union Flags 700+ Anti-Christian Incidents in 2025, Urges Government Accountability

Jan 3, 2025: The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has called on the Indian government to urgently address the conditions leading to violence and hate against Christians, stating that attacks reported across the country in 2025 amount to an assault on India’s pluralistic and secular foundations.

In a statement issued on January 2, the AICU said Christians in several parts of the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, experienced a difficult year marked by intimidation and violence. It said these incidents were not isolated acts but reflected a wider climate that threatens constitutional guarantees and social harmony.

Citing documented data, the Union said the United Christian Forum recorded 706 incidents between January and November 2025. Other sources, including the Evangelical Fellowship of India, reported similar patterns, with Uttar Pradesh accounting for 183 incidents and Chhattisgarh about 156, involving assaults, disruptions of worship, vandalism and false accusations of forced religious conversions.

The statement noted a surge in incidents during the Christmas season, when over 20 separate cases were reported in north India. It referred to media reports of posters calling for the boycott of Christmas, threats to vendors selling festive items, disruptions to at least 60 events nationwide, attacks on carol singers in Kerala, vandalism of Christmas decorations in malls in Chhattisgarh, and harassment of worshippers in Madhya Pradesh, including an incident involving a visually impaired woman confronted by a BJP leader.

While welcoming the presence of national leaders at Christmas celebrations — including the Vice President hosting bishops and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting a cathedral in New Delhi — the AICU said symbolic gestures and assurances were insufficient. It stressed that firm and salutary action was required to protect minorities and that there were no indications of such action so far.

The Union also expressed concern over what it described as hate speech and xenophobia from certain political leaders and groups, which it said have encouraged vigilante actions. It alleged that anti-conversion laws in 12 states are often misused to justify harassment despite little evidence of forced conversions, and said perpetrators of violence are rarely prosecuted.

Beyond physical attacks, the AICU said Christian institutions face sustained pressure through restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, with delays and cancellations of licences affecting organisations involved in education and welfare. It added that unity among minorities and education on constitutional rights are essential, particularly in the context of challenges such as the census, electoral processes and broader economic difficulties.

Calling for a “New Year Charter” for 2026, the AICU proposed programmes to educate citizens on rights under Articles 25–28 of the Constitution, measures to prevent manipulation of electoral rolls affecting minorities, safeguards to ensure the census does not deepen divisions, restoration of FCRA licences for genuine NGOs, and an end to interference in Christian schools, including pressure over holidays and curricula.

Stating that Christians form about 2.3 per cent of India’s population and contribute significantly to education and healthcare, the Union said the community seeks only the equal rights guaranteed to all citizens. It underscored the urgency of change and called on India to uphold its secular foundations.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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