Thrissur: In a sharply critical pastoral letter read across churches under the Irinjalakuda diocese on Sunday, the leadership of the Catholic Church in Kerala has denounced both the Central Government and the Chhattisgarh state administration for their complete inaction in securing the release of two Keralite nuns who remain jailed in Chhattisgarh. The letter not only condemns the silence of those in power but also raises alarm over what it describes as a systematic effort to marginalize Christians in India.
Calling the imprisonment "a politically motivated injustice," the diocese has announced a large protest rally in Chalakudy town at 3 PM today, with the participation of thousands of faithful. The Church is mobilizing this protest as a demonstration of solidarity and resistance against what it sees as escalating religious oppression.
The pastoral letter pulls no punches in stating that "neither the Central Government nor the Government of Chhattisgarh lifted a finger" to intervene in the case of the nuns, despite national-level appeals and increasing public outrage. It accuses both governments of turning a blind eye to the unjust incarceration, even as prominent political leaders and religious figures demanded action.
“This is not an isolated case,” the letter reads. “It is part of a long-running, deliberate effort since 2014 to control, intimidate, and restrict the Christian community across India under the guise of nationalism.”
The letter strongly criticizes the role of extremist right-wing groups, especially Bajrang Dal and other Sangh Parivar-affiliated outfits, alleging that these groups act as enforcers of a religious agenda outside the law. “Instead of respecting the religious freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, such organizations conduct mob trials, jail missionaries on false charges, and create fear among minorities,” the diocese asserts.
It also raises serious concerns about the weaponization of legal systems and police forces in states like Chhattisgarh. "If unchecked, this will destroy the secular foundation of the nation," the diocese warns.
Drawing attention to the broader implications, the letter warns of a dangerous precedent where constitutional and secular rights may become the privilege of only a select few. It says there is a clear attempt to erase the contributions of the Christian community in education, healthcare, and nation-building.
“There is an orchestrated plan to limit missionary work, vilify Christians, and forcefully suppress minorities. If this continues, we are heading toward a nation where our very existence will be questioned,” the letter cautions.
In response to the situation, the diocese has called upon every member of the faithful to participate in today’s protest rally at Chalakudy. It will serve not just as a demonstration of solidarity with the imprisoned nuns, but also as a larger call for justice, equality, and protection of India's secular identity.
With this strongly worded pastoral letter, the Irinjalakuda Diocese has placed itself at the forefront of the growing national resistance against the alleged harassment and suppression of Christian minorities, making it clear that silence is no longer an option.