Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Federation (KCF) has voiced strong condemnation over the arrest of Malayali nuns Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethi Mary in Chhattisgarh, denouncing the charges of religious conversion and human trafficking as fabricated and deeply concerning.
In a press release issued by the KCF leadership, the federation criticized what it called a targeted misuse of anti-conversion laws to intimidate and criminalize Christian missionaries. They argued that the arrests reflect an increasing pattern of hostility against the Christian community and a growing intolerance that threatens the constitutional rights of religious minorities in India.
“This is not an isolated incident, but part of a disturbing trend where fringe elements are weaponizing anti-conversion laws to falsely accuse and harass Christian religious workers,” the statement read. It emphasized that the Catholic Church is committed to humanitarian service not coercion and that its work in education, health, and social welfare is rooted in compassion and public service, not religious conversion.
The KCF leaders urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to intervene decisively. “This arrest is a direct assault on the right to freedom of religion enshrined in Article 25 of the Indian Constitution,” they warned, calling for immediate release of the nuns and legal proceedings against those who falsely accused them.
The federation demanded stronger legal safeguards and accountability mechanisms to prevent such abuses of power in the future. It called for an end to the unjust persecution of missionaries and emphasized that India's secular and democratic fabric should not be allowed to erode under pressure from extremist groups.
The statement was jointly issued by KCF State President Anil John Francis, General Secretary V.C. Georgekutty, Treasurer Adv. Biju Kundukulam, and Clerical Advisor Fr. Thomas Tharayil.