Christian Bishop Calls For True Religious Freedom in India

 

[Editor’s Note: Due to the very real threat of Transnational Repression, and out of concern for his many churches in South Asia, the Bishop who wrote this appeal asked to use only his first name.]

 

A Bishop’s Call for the Acceptance of Minorities and True Religious Freedom in India

 

March 26, 2024

-Bishop Joseph 

 

I write this appeal as a Christian Bishop who has invested much of my life in various ministries throughout India. I studied in Tamil Nadu, have supported various schools, orphanages, outreaches, and church planting efforts throughout the whole nation. During Covid, we raised funds for thousands of Dalits who struggled to feed themselves and find medicine to treat the aggressive strains of sickness that emerged. Because of the sensitivity of our situation, I will only reveal my first name, Joseph, and ask for the prayers of all good willed people for our ministry in India. 

 

In recent days, I have seen concerning trends in certain regions regarding religious freedom and tolerance. Incidents of violence and discrimination against non-Hindu communities have been reported, often incited or exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation spread by certain entities within the government. These actions not only violate the fundamental principles of India's constitution but also undermine the country's rich tradition of diversity and religious pluralism, which traditionally honored the place of St. Thomas Christians in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. 

Bp. Joseph’s Malankara Menorah, a Unique Aspect of Indian St. Thomas Christianity, Given to Him as a Student in Tamil Nadu 25 Years Ago and Used for Prayer in His Cathedral Today

I have often pled with various representations of the Modi government to uphold the principles of religious neutrality enshrined in the Indian constitution and ensure the protection of religious minorities, including us Christians, but also Sikhs, Zoroastrians, Jains, Buddhists and Animists, from targeted violence and harassment. Anti-conversion laws, so strange in this day and age, which forcibly restrict the freedom of individuals to choose their own Faith, should be reevaluated and repealed to uphold the individual’s right to religious autonomy. No one should ever be coerced into belief through fear. Our beliefs should always be based in truth and love. 

 

Rather than perpetuating false narratives and stereotypes about religious minorities, there really should be efforts to foster understanding, dialogue, and respect among all religious communities. We have tried to do so in our own ministry, from simple activities like my personal attempts to learn Sanskrit and understand the vast nature of Hindu philosophy, to shared meals and hospitality with our Muslim brothers in need, staying in my own home. Scapegoating and targeting specific religious groups for political gain can only serve to deepen divisions and sow distrust within our society, which is obvious from the last few decades of sad violence that India’s religious minorities have experienced. 

 

Ultimately, a commitment to openness, inclusion, and the safety of all religious groups is essential for India to truly thrive as a diverse and harmonious nation. As Christians who believe that all humankind is made in the Image of God, we plead with our brothers and sisters of different Faiths to hear us, have mercy on us and all other religious minorities, and honor the sanctity and beauty of God’s human creation. It is incumbent upon all Indians to take meaningful action to protect religious freedom and ensure that we can live in peace and safety, regardless of their chosen Faith.

 

As India’s National Anthem so beautifully communicates - “They pray for Thy blessings and sing thy praise. The saving of all people waits in thy hand…” May we all be blessed and kept by this Almighty Hand, even as we struggle sincerely and with good will to know by what Holy Name to call it! Only with this confidence and through this process, being truly free to follow God in our own way, can we realize the highest values of Indian society and contribute through this beautiful civilization to the health and safety of the world.