On Indian Independence Day, bishops reiterate Christians’ patriotism
As India celebrated its 77th Independence Day marking freedom from colonial British rule on Aug. 15, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) asserted the patriotism of Christians and called for “resolving internal challenges with empathy, understanding, and unity.” “India’s journey to freedom was not solely forged on the battlefield but also through unwavering determination, sacrifices, and visionary leadership from those of diverse backgrounds, including the Christian community,” the CBCI said in a press release. Though British imperialism spread in India when the East India Company began trading there in the 17th century, the British Parliament took total control over the Indian subcontinent in 1858. Following the massive freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi — the prophet of nonviolence — the British ended their rule over the Indian subcontinent in August 1947, dividing it into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. Hindu nationalist outlets, under the influence of the ruling BJP (the Bharatiya Janata Party, one of the two major Indian political parties alongside the Indian National Congress), have called into question the patriotism of India’s 34 million Christians. The CBCI statement addressed the charge, saying: “Christian freedom fighters left an indelible mark on India’s history. Their dedication and sacrifices serve as a poignant reminder
Hindu Nationalists Injure Four Christians in Attack in Central India
08/03/2023 India (International Christian Concern) – A mob of Hindu nationalists brutally attacked four Christians in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The violent attack reportedly took place in the presence of the village leaders. According to local sources, the group of Christians was summoned to a meeting by the village leaders, where the Hindu nationalists attempted to force the Christians to renounce their faith and convert back to Hinduism. The leaders threatened them with abusive language, and the mob told the Christians of the consequences of not renouncing their faith in Jesus. The leaders told them that if they did not deny Christ, they would be thrown out of their village. Nevertheless, the Christians remained faithful and did not deny Christ. When the four Christians refused to deny their faith in Christ, the mob beat them with sticks and stones. They were rushed to the hospital with police protection. The incident was reported to local law enforcement, who filed a report (FIR) against eight people and investigated the attack. In the wake of the event, other Christians in the village left for nearby villages, fearing for their lives. Chhattisgarh is among the eleven states with anti-conversion laws. The radical Hindu nationalists abuse this law
