Catholic Body Calls for Action to Stop Violence Against Christians in India

Catholic Body Calls for Action to Stop Violence Against Christians in India
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The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has urged India’s Union government to take firm and credible action to address what it described as a worsening climate of violence and intimidation against Christians, warning that symbolic outreach without accountability was emboldening perpetrators, Clarion India reported.

In a New Year statement issued in New Delhi, the 106-year-old Christian body said attacks on Christians, particularly during the Christmas season, were assaults on India’s secular and pluralistic foundations. AICU National President Elias Vaz said political resolve was needed to ensure protection of constitutional rights.

Citing data from monitoring groups, the AICU said the United Christian Forum recorded 706 incidents of violence and harassment between January and November 2025, with Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh reporting the highest numbers. Incidents included physical assaults, disruptions of prayer meetings, vandalism of churches and intimidation of worshippers, with a spike during Christmas.

While acknowledging the participation of senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, in Christmas events, the AICU said such gestures had not translated into effective protection on the ground. The group called for accountability, safeguards against misuse of anti-conversion laws, and restoration of FCRA licences for legitimate organisations.