Christians in Odisha’s Sundargarh District Rally for Peace and Religious Freedom

Sundargarh, Odisha, August 19, 2025: Christians from Odisha’s Sundargarh district staged a massive peace rally on Tuesday, calling for an end to the persecution of Christians across India. The demonstration, which drew over 10,000 participants, culminated in the submission of a memorandum to the District Collector, Dr. Shubhankar Mahapatra.

Dr. Mahapatra received the memorandum in front of the assembled crowd, who demanded that the government ensure justice and religious freedom for Christians.

“We demand justice and religious freedom,” said Fr. Herman Minj, a Divine Word priest and social activist, addressing the rally.

Speakers highlighted that despite years of social action, incidents of persecution continue to rise. They argued that the root of the problem lies in political structures complicit in oppression. According to participants, governments in power often represent the interests of dominant caste and communal groups, and minority persecution serves their agenda. They stressed that genuine liberation cannot come from petitions to oppressors but must emerge from collective strength and unity.

The rally underscored that attacks on Christians should not be viewed in isolation but recognised as part of a broader casteist and communal strategy. Participants connected their struggle with the experiences of Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, and other minorities who also face systemic discrimination.

Christians from Sundargarh resolved to intensify consciousness-building efforts and raise awareness at the grassroots. They emphasised the need to strengthen community organisations at village and block levels on the principles of social justice and equality, reaching beyond religious boundaries.

Plans were announced to organise study circles and training programmes to equip people to resist caste and communal politics. Leaders further called for alliances with other faith groups and marginalised communities, including Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs, and secular Dalit and OBC organisations.

The rally concluded with a commitment to forge unity across communities and to continue the struggle for justice and equality in the face of persecution.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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