Christians in India staged a “prayer protest” in New Delhi on February 19 to draw attention to what they described as “the sharp escalation of targeted hate and violence against Christian community in many states.”
“We are here to demand judicial and government intervention to check the rapid rise in incidents of violence, coercion and false arrests of our people,” said Archbishop Anil Couto of the Diocese of Delhi in his message during the event.
The protesters held placards in Hindi and English that read “Every persecution makes Christians stronger in faith,” “Stop attack against Christians,” and “Stop attacking our churches,” among others. They also sang songs of praise and worship amid chanting of “halleluiah,” “Amen” and “Praise the Lord.”
John Dayal, spokesperson of the All Indian Catholic Union, said that about 350 Christians are in jail in Uttar Pradesh alone for practicing their faith while hundreds of tribal Christians were forced out of their village in Chhattisgarh.
“We want the government to hear our cries and intervene and take steps to ensure the safety and security of Christians,” he said. He appealed to the people to stand in “empathy and solidarity” and raise their voices at the “targeted and organized injustice” against Christians.
The United Christian Forum, a human rights group based in New Delhi that monitors atrocities against Christians in India, has recorded a total of 597 incidents of violence against Christians from 21 states until the end of 2022.
Read the full story on Matters India
