Although the party Bharatiya Janata (BJP) strengthens its reach on the Christian community in Kerala as a result of the WAQF Act (amendment), there seems to be a sense of restlessness over the perceived increase in attacks on Christian clergy in Northern India.
The last incident launched alarm includes Bincy sister Joseph, Catholic nun and director of the Nursing University in Kunkuri, Chhattisgarh, which was booked for alleged attempts at religious transformation. The episode is close to the heels of violent attacks of reported priests in Jabalpur and Odish, which have already emphasized the growing risks that in some parts of the country face rising risks facing the Christian clergy.
Although the management of the Church in the state remained somewhat silent in this matter, the fact that the sister Bincy came from Kottayam, here hit a particularly sensitive chord. It has now triggered extensive discussions in parishes across Central Travancore, a region known for sending a large number of missionaries to northern India.
Fr. Jose Vallikatt, a Catholic priest based in Bathinda, a pandjab and a scholar in the media, religion and culture, recognizes a growing anxiety among Christians. “There is a visible tendency among some self -proclaimed representatives of the majority religion to dominate minority communities,” he says.
“It is deeply worrying that minorities are now living in fear – fear of their everyday life, their right to move freely, and even the sanctity of their institutions.
Fr. Suresh Mathew, a Catholic priest based in Delhi and a former editor of the Indian currents-publication under the hoods of the province of Krist Jyoti, also expressed concern about the growing threat. “Especially disturbing is a wide range of violence we are witnessing,” he says.
“Of the physical attacks and damage to the property of threats, harassment and curbs at religious gatherings, these are not isolated incidents. These are calculated moves to instill fear and suppress the whole community.”
Fr. Mathew also called a part of the Christian clergy in Kerala for irrigation to stick to a record BJP about religious freedom. “It is incomprehensible that some continue to support the party while silent for violence that Christians are facing elsewhere in the country,” he says.
Published – April 15 2025 17:56
