CBCI Condemns Attack on Christian Pilgrims in Jabalpur, Urges Government Action

New Delhi, 1 April 2025 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has strongly condemned the recent attack on Christian pilgrims in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, calling it an appalling assault on religious freedom and human dignity. The organisation urges the government to take immediate action to uphold constitutional rights and protect religious minorities.

Reports indicate that extremist groups stopped and assaulted the victims, including Catholic priests and lay pilgrims from Mandla parish, who were on a pilgrimage as part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations. The attackers targeted senior priests, including Father Davis, Vicar General of Jabalpur, and Father George T, diocesan procurator. The CBCI denounces the incident as part of a troubling pattern of targeted harassment and violence against the Christian community.

“This is not an isolated event but a deliberate strategy to create communal polarisation and hostility towards religious minorities,” states the CBCI. “The Christian community has played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building while steadfastly upholding constitutional values. It is deeply concerning that they continue to face persecution by extremist and anti-national elements.”

The CBCI calls on senior government officials, including Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian, to intervene and ensure justice. The organisation also urges the Madhya Pradesh government to take stringent action against those responsible and to safeguard the security of minority communities.

“India’s democracy thrives on secularism, pluralism, and religious harmony,” the CBCI emphasises. “Any attempt to disrupt these principles must be met with firm legal and administrative measures.”

The CBCI stands in solidarity with the victims and calls for immediate steps to prevent further incidents, stressing the need for justice, peace, and the protection of all faith communities.

By Catholic Connect Reporter