Church of South India organises protest demonstration about religious intimidation

The Church of South India recently expressed its deep concern and strong condemnation of the disturbing series of incidents involving intimidation, harassment and disruption of Christian communities and Christmas celebrations reported from several parts of India during the recent Christmas season. CSI describes such acts as those which ‘not only threaten the freedom of faith communities but also undermine the constitutional values of equality, fraternity and justice’.

The ‘Condemnation Protest Demonstration’ was organised by the CSI Diocese of Madras on 12 January 2026, at 10:00 am, at the Rajarathnam Stadium, Egmore, Chennai. The protest was presided over by the Rt Revd Paul Francis Ravichandran, the Bishop in Madras, Madras Diocese.

The General Secretary, Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja CSI, graced the occasion and delivered a ‘message of condemnation’, drawing attention to the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the constitutional rights of minorities and the fundamental principle of the equality of all humanity.

A report by the church described the address as: ‘Emphasising India’s pluralistic ethos’, and highlighting ‘the shared cultural practice of giving and receiving gifts and respecting the festivals and faith expressions of all religious communities’.

The demonstration witnessed the participation of the Rt Revd Dr Jaisingh Prince Prabhakaran, the Bishop in Madurai, Madurai-Ramnad Diocese, along with Synod department directors, staff, and representatives from several other CSI dioceses in the Tamil region. 

The protest also reflected strong ecumenical solidarity, with bishops and leaders from the Catholic Church, Evangelical Church of India, Pentecostal churches, pastors from the Arcot Lutheran Church and members of the wider faith community joining together to condemn the attacks on Christians, religious minorities, and the violation of constitutional rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

United in constitutional rights, faith and conviction, the gathered churches and faith leaders raised their voices against the harassment of Christians, the disruption of festival celebrations, interference in worship, and violations of the right to freely serve Christ and practice Christianity.

The Church of South India has reiterated its commitment to stand for justice, peace and religious freedom, and calls upon civil authorities and society at large to uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion for all citizens.

This article was originally published on https://www.anglicannews.org/news/2026/01/church-of-south-india-organises-protest-demonstration-about-religious-intimidation.aspx