A Church delegation led by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to express concerns about the increasing hostility and violence against Christians in India. The delegation, representing the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), sought the Prime Minister's intervention to address these issues.
Concerns Over Anti-Conversion Laws
During the 45-minute "cordial" meeting, the four-member delegation presented a memorandum highlighting the misuse of anti-conversion laws, which have led to increased attacks on Christians under the false pretext of forced conversions. The bishops called for the Prime Minister to put an end to this misuse and protect the Christian community.
Dalit Christian Rights
The memorandum also reiterated the Church's longstanding request for the government to extend special benefits, such as quotas in government jobs, educational institutions, and financial aid, to Christian Dalits. These benefits are currently reserved for low-caste Dalit people in India but exclude Christian and Muslim Dalits on the grounds that these religions do not adhere to the caste system. Additionally, the Church leaders urged the Prime Minister to maintain the special benefits that tribal Christians currently receive, countering demands from some Hindu groups to revoke these benefits on the basis that converted Christians should not be considered tribal.
Representation in Minority Commissions
The delegation highlighted the absence of Christian representation in the National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, requesting the appointment of Christians to these bodies.
Challenges for Christian NGOs
The memorandum expressed concern over the difficulties Christian NGOs face in renewing their registration under the Foreign Currency Regulation Act (FCRA). The bishops emphasized the significant contributions of the Christian community in education, healthcare, and social welfare, and urged for a smoother process for these NGOs.
Invitation to Pope Francis
The memorandum also praised Prime Minister Modi's recent invitation to Pope Francis to visit India, extended during the June Outreach session of the G7 Summit in southern Italy. The bishops called for continued efforts to facilitate the Pope's visit to India.
Ethnic Violence in Manipur
Finally, the delegation sought the Prime Minister's intervention in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, where ethnic violence has been ongoing since May 3, 2023.
This meeting underscores the bishops' concerns about the increasing challenges faced by Christians in India and their hope for government intervention to ensure their safety and rights.