Kochi: The Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS) has called upon the central government to take urgent and decisive action against communal forces that are systematically attempting to intimidate and harass Catholic nuns and missionaries across India. The appeal comes in the wake of the controversial arrest of two Keralite nuns Sister Vandana Francis and Sister Preethi Mary in Chhattisgarh on what the Church has termed “fabricated charges.”
In a strongly worded statement, KCMS said the arrest of the nuns is a blatant violation of the Indian Constitution and reflects an alarming rise in attempts to disturb the fabric of religious harmony in the country. “It is evident that certain vested interests are working to incite communal polarization by falsely implicating Christian religious workers,” the organization said, warning that this trend poses a dangerous threat to the secular and democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.
The Conference expressed grave concern over the misuse of anti-conversion laws in various states, stating that these laws are increasingly being weaponized to suppress the voices of Christian missionaries whose service to the nation is driven by compassion and faith. “Their work in education, healthcare, and social upliftment is being unjustly targeted by those who view religious coexistence as a threat,” the statement added.
KCMS called for a transparent and impartial approach from government institutions, demanding strict legal action against those spreading false allegations and against officials who misuse their authority to serve communal agendas. It also urged the Union Government to enact strong safeguards to prevent further abuse of power and to protect the constitutional rights of all religious minorities.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace, communal harmony, and national unity, the KCMS appealed to the Centre to guide state administrations towards upholding India’s democratic and secular ethos. “The government must ensure that India remains a nation where justice prevails, and where no individual is persecuted for their faith or selfless service,” the statement concluded.