By: The Wire Staff Published in: *The Wire* Date: January 3, 2026 Source: https://thewire.in/communalism/mere-statements-not-sufficient-catholic-union-calls-on-govt-to-address-issues-behind-violence '...[F]irm and salutary action is needed to protect minorities; and of this, there are no indications.'
*New Delhi: *The All India Catholic Union has repeated its plea to the Union government to address issues leading to violence against Christians in India – especially around Christmas celebrations. The AICU representing the Catholic laity 120 Diocesan units across the country. in a statement that attacks across states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have increased, with monitoring groups documenting hundreds of incidents, including assaults, disruption of worship and misuse of anti-conversion laws. While welcoming symbolic gestures by national leaders, the union said these are inadequate without firm action, accountability and legal reform. It criticised hate speech, Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act restrictions on NGOs, and called for a 2026 charter to protect constitutional rights, minority welfare and India’s secular character. The full statement is below. The violence and hate experienced by Christians in India throughout 2025, especially during the Christmas season, represent not only attacks on individuals but also on the pluralistic fabric of Indian society. Addressing these challenges requires honest acknowledgment, genuine political will, and united grassroots action. As we step into 2026, the All India Catholic Union [AICU], 106 years old and speaking for common Christians in the country, sees this as both a solemn reminder and a hopeful call to action. “Together, through unity, education, and principled advocacy, we can strive to create an India where diversity is celebrated and every citizen’s rights are protected against hate and discrimination,” AICU National President Er. Elias Vaz said. The Christian community in India, and specially in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa [Odisha], has faced a difficult year in 2025, with reports showing a continued high level of violence and intimidation. Data from monitoring organisations and media coverage indicate that incidents increased, especially during the Christmas period when over 20 separate incidents were reported in north India. The trauma can be gauged by United Christian Forum (UCF) documenting 706 incidents from January to November 2025. Other sources, including the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), documented similar patterns, with states like Uttar Pradesh numbering 183 and Chhattisgarh, about 156. including assaults, disruptions of worship, vandalism, and false accusations of conversions.Posters calling for boycotts of Christmas appeared in some areas, and vendors selling festive items faced threats. News media reported disruptions to at least 60 events nationwide, including attacks on carol singers in Kerala, vandalism of decorations in Chhattisgarh malls, and harassment of worshippers in Madhya Pradesh, where a BJP leader was involved in confronting a visually impaired woman The Vice President of India, Mr CP Radhakrishnan, was both a guest at a Christmas celebration by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India, and a host at a similar party he threw at his official residence for Catholic and Protestant bishops. The Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, visited a cathedral in New Delhi during the Christmas service. Their presence has been welcomed, as also that by political leaders in several states. But mere statements from the government that violence will end are not sufficient; firm and salutary action is needed to protect minorities; and of this, there are no indications. Hate speech and xenophobia from several leaders in the government and Sangh Parivar groups have helped create this climate. Propaganda labelling Christians as outsiders has encouraged vigilante actions. Anti-conversion laws in 12 states are often misused to justify harassment, despite little proof of forced conversions. Government responses have not matched the scale of the problem. The Prime Minister attends Christmas events every year, but perpetrators rarely face prosecution. Symbolic gestures do not address the underlying issues. Those responsible must be held accountable, discriminatory laws examined, and equality under the Constitution enforced. But violence is just one way of targeting the community. Restrictions under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) continue to limit Christian organisations working in education and welfare. Many NGOs face delays or cancellations of licences, affecting their ability to operate. Unity is essential for Christians and other minorities facing these pressures. Education on constitutional rights and duties can help communities respond effectively. This is particularly important given challenges like potential misuse of electoral rolls, the upcoming census, and economic difficulties that impact vulnerable groups. The All India Catholic Union calls for a New Year Charter in 2026 that includes: • Programmes to educate citizens on rights under Articles 25-28 of the Constitution. • Measures to prevent manipulation of electoral rolls affecting minorities. • Ensuring the census does not deepen divisions. • Restoration of FCRA licences for genuine NGOs. • Ending interference in Christian schools, such as pressure over holidays or curricula. Christians form about 2.3% of India’s population and contribute significantly to education and healthcare. They ask only for the equal rights guaranteed to all citizens. It is clear there is an urgency of change. India must uphold its secular foundations.
