The Church of South India, expresses its deep concern and condemnation of the disturbing series of incidents involving intimidation, harassment, and disruption of Christian communities and Christmas celebrations across several parts of India during the recent Christmas season.
Reports from cities including Delhi (Lajpat Nagar), Palakkad (Kerala), Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) and Hisar (Haryana) along with reports of pressures in Rajasthan and numerous other states indicate that community members engaged in the peaceful celebration of Christmas
have faced unacceptable hostility, threats, cancellation of events, vandalism of holiday displays, and coercive moral policing.
Until now, we have never witnessed so many incidents, especially on Christmas Day or during Christmas celebrations. These events raise a serious concern: Are Christians slowly being pushed into a situation where they can no longer feel safe or free to practise their faith? When even peaceful Christmas celebrations are met with threats or disruptions, it spreads fear and insecurity among people. Such actions can weaken the basic rights promised by our Constitution — the freedom to follow any religion, and the right to equality and dignity for every citizen.
India’s Constitution (Article 25) guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of conscience and the free profession, practice, and propagation of religion. These rights are the foundation of our pluralistic and secular democratic framework. Any attempt to intimidate, silence, or marginalise individuals on the basis of their faith not only violates these constitutional freedoms but also undermines the ethos of mutual respect for which our nation has long been admired.
The Church of South India stands in solidarity with all those affected by these incidences. We mourn the pain felt by families, communities, and especially children who have been subject to harassment during a season meant for joy, peace and reconciliation. We call upon civil society, religious leaders of all faiths, and governmental authorities at every level to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety of minority communities, and foster conditions in which all citizens can celebrate their festivals without fear or discrimination.
We reaffirm our commitment to harmonious co-existence, respect for diversity, and the protection of fundamental rights for every Indian, regardless of religion. The CSI will continue to stand firm in support of religious freedom, human dignity, and the right of all communities to live in peace and mutual respect.
C. Fernandas Rathina Raja
GENERAL SECRETARY, CSI