The Bengal Christian Council urged the Union government to take a clear stand against attack on churches and Christian celebrations to ensure the safety of minority communities. The appeal comes in the backdrop of disruptions to Christmas celebrations and acts of vandalism reported from multiple states in December.
Speaking on Monday, Most Reverend Paritosh Canning, Moderator of the Church of North India (CNI), Bishop of the Calcutta Diocese, and President of the Bengal Christian Council, said “recurring incidents of violence have created a sense of insecurity among Christians nationwide.” He noted that while the community continues to feel secure in West Bengal, concerns have been heightened by events elsewhere.
To express solidarity and call for peace, the council launched a peace rally at 1PM on Tuesday, which was joined by hundreds of teachers and school principals. The march began at St Paul’s Cathedral and concluded at the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road.
In December, multiple anti-Christian protests broke out in several parts of the country. In Raiupur, Chattisgargh, a shopping mall showcasing Christmas decoration was vandalized by group of men supposedly from Hindu nationalist group. In Kerala, similar outrage against Christmas celebrations was witnessed after a group of children performing Christmas carols in a procession was attacked and their instruments were broke. Another video went viral from Kerala where a street-side vendor was harassed and threatened of violence for selling Santa caps. They claimed “sale of Christmas items should be banned from Hindu Rastra”, as heard saying in the video. Vigilante groups also attacked Christmas celebrations in Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Noting such incidents Canning said, “On the one hand, we witnessed the Prime Minister attending Christmas prayers at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi, but at the same time, reports emerged of churches being attacked. These contrasting developments are deeply distressing.”
Addressing the press, he added that the council would submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Governor, urging immediate measures to prevent further attacks. “We want the Christian community to know that we are actively raising our voice and not remaining silent,” he said.
The Bengal Christian Council, which represents all Christian denominations in the state, reiterated its commitment to stand with communities facing hostility in other regions. “Even though we live peacefully in Bengal, it is our responsibility to support our brothers and sisters elsewhere who are going through difficult times,” Canning stated.
In an official statement, the council appealed to both the central and state governments to “clearly dissociate themselves from acts of violence and intimidation carried out by misguided elements.” It further urged authorities to condemn such incidents “in the strongest terms” and initiate prompt, suo motu police action, adding that “only then will the Christmas Day gestures by the Prime Minister be viewed as sincere and meaningful.”
