Local Christian church leaders expressed concern over growing hostility towards Christians in India in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UCA News reported on July 13.
Trichur Archbishop Andrews Thajat, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, led the four-member delegation along with federal minister Suresh Gopi, an MP elected from the Christian-majority southern state of Kerala and a member of Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
“The 45-minute meeting at the Prime Minister’s office was cordial and the Prime Minister listened to us attentively.” Thajat told reporters at the bishops’ conference office in New Delhi.
Thajat said the delegation submitted a memorandum expressing concern over increasing attacks on Christians, false accusations of forced conversions and abuse of anti-conversion laws.
Church leaders also wanted Modi’s intervention to end atrocities against ethnic and religious minorities and the oppression of Christians.
The memorandum also demanded special benefits for Dalit Christians meant for the socially poor Dalits. These benefits are denied to them on the grounds that Christianity does not follow the caste system of Hinduism.
The memorandum claimed that Dalit Christians face double discrimination as Indian society discriminates against them as a lower caste and the government excludes them from social welfare measures. The church delegation wanted the government to take steps to extend benefits to Dalit Christians.
Church leaders also called on the government not to stop providing special benefits, such as quotas in government jobs and educational institutions, as well as financial assistance, which Christians currently receive.
The call comes amid demands from some Hindu groups for the government to stop providing such benefits, saying Christian tribes do not follow tribal religions and therefore should not be considered members of tribal minorities after converting to Christianity.
The memorandum highlighted the lack of Christian representation in national commissions for minorities and in minority educational institutions. The document stated that Modi should consider appointing qualified Christians to various government ministries and departments.
Church leaders told Modi that several Christian NGOs are facing difficulties in renewing licenses to receive foreign funding despite their deep involvement in social work.
The memorandum also highlights the important contributions of the Christian community, especially in education, health and social welfare.
Thajat also reiterated the Church’s request to invite Pope Francis to India, to which Modi replied that he had already invited the pontiff twice.
Recall that Narendra Modi invited Pope Francis to India during the G20 summit in Italy last year and met him at the G7 summit held from June 13-15.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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