Cry of the Excommunicated Christians

In recent weeks, we have witnessed an alarming rise in the persecution of Christians across several Indian states. Chhattisgarh, in particular, has become a hotspot for such acts, where believers are being forcefully excommunicated, displaced, and cut off from society—all for the sole reason of following Jesus Christ.

In Darba village under Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, two heartbreaking incidents have occurred. In one case, eleven families comprising 41 members were displaced. The heads of these families are Kadti Laxmi, Lekam Bhima, Lekam Lachhu, Kunjam Bichhem, Lekam Bandi, Lekam Lakke, Mediyam Lakhama, Mediyam Jimo, Kadti Hirmaya, Padam Hidma, and Lekam Hoonga. These families have been stripped of their homes, dignity, and freedom because of their unwavering faith.

In another similar incident from the same village, ten families consisting of 47 members were driven out. The family heads affected are Lecum Lachhu, Kadti Ramesh, Hardness, Kadti Bhima, Lecum Lakke, Padam Hidma, Lekam Bhima, Kunjam Lakshmi, Kadti Bhima (repeated), and Medium Jime. These believers now live in fear and uncertainty, many without shelter or support.

Adding to the growing crisis, six Christian families were recently excommunicated from Gondi village in Narasapuram Block, Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh. The village council imposed strict fines on anyone who helps, speaks to, or trades with these Christian families. Isolated and marginalized, these families have submitted a plea to the District Administration seeking justice. Local Christian leaders have stepped forward to ensure their protection, but the pain and pressure they face is immense.

This is not just a series of isolated incidents—it reflects a growing trend of hostility toward Christians in rural India. In many villages, a majority of the population follows one particular religion, while a small number of families choose to follow Jesus Christ. Without church buildings, these Christians gather in homes to pray, sing, and study the Bible. For years, this coexistence was peaceful.

But in recent times, Christians have been pressured to forsake Jesus and return to their former beliefs. When they refuse, the persecution begins. They are summoned to public meetings and ordered to deny Christ. When they stand firm, they are beaten, their homes vandalized, and they are socially boycotted—excluded from all village functions and gatherings. They are not allowed to fetch water from public bore wells and are cut off from all communication. Local shops refuse to sell them goods, and strict fines are imposed on anyone who visits them during family events like weddings or funerals.

Even in death, the persecution continues. Christians are denied burial rights, sometimes even on their own land. Whatever they plant is taken away, their homes are destroyed, and fingerprints are forcibly taken to seize their property illegally. Many are chased out of their villages, and even children and the elderly are not spared. Today, hundreds of families sit on barren land, homeless, hopeless, and heartbroken—their only “offense” being their faith in Jesus Christ.

In these times of despair, Persecution Relief Family continues to stand with them, providing shelter, food, and clothing. But their suffering calls for more. The Church must rise up. We must recognize our persecuted brothers and sisters as part of our own body. Scripture reminds us, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26), and “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners…” (Hebrews 13:3).

Under relentless pressure, many believers are finding it difficult to stay strong. Some return to their former faiths. Others grow weak simply because they lack spiritual guidance and no one is there to tell them that it is an honour and privilege to suffer for Christ.

Now is the time for the Church to act. These wounded members of the Body of Christ need healing, support, and solidarity.

Prayer Points

1. Pray for Strength: That every displaced and persecuted believer would be filled with the strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
2. Pray for Protection: That God would protect these families—children, elderly, and all—from harm, further violence, or loss.
3. Pray for Justice: That the authorities and district administrations would act justly and bring relief, protection, and accountability.
4. Pray for Provision: That all their physical needs—shelter, food, water, and clothing—would be met by the generous hands of the Body of Christ.
5. Pray for the Church: That the global Church would rise up in prayer, support, and action to embrace these suffering saints.
6. Pray for Endurance: That their faith may not fail and that they may see this suffering as a privilege to walk in the steps of Christ.
7. Pray for Peace and Reconciliation: That entire villages and communities would encounter the peace of Christ, leading to healing and reconciliation.

Let us not be silent. Let us be the voice they need. Let us be the hope they hold on to.

This article was originally published on https://persecutionrelief.org/cry-of-the-excommunicated-christians/