‘We Are Afraid’: Catholic Bishops Urge PM Modi to Condemn Rising Attacks on Christians
BENGALURU – On the eve of a landmark national assembly, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has issued a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling for a formal condemnation of targeted violence against the Christian community. Representing the top leadership of the Catholic Church in India, the body expressed a growing sense of insecurity, citing a wave of “religious discrimination” and physical assaults that have unsettled the minority group.
The appeal was spearheaded by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, President of the CBCI, during a press conference in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The briefing served as a precursor to the 37th CBCI General Body Meeting, a week-long summit set to address the Church’s role within India’s constitutional framework amidst a shifting socio-political landscape.
A Plea for Protection and Accountability
Archbishop Thazhath emphasized that the Church has consistently sought dialogue with the government, but noted that verbal assurances from local authorities have not translated into safety on the ground.
“We have been approaching government authorities whenever there is an attack. We don’t counter-attack,” Archbishop Thazhath stated. “We have personally raised the issue with the Prime Minister… Protecting the rights of minorities and Christians is the duty of the Government. Whenever we go to the authorities, they say they [the attackers] are fringe groups. But take control of those fringe groups.”
The Archbishop’s remarks follow a series of high-profile incidents, including the harrowing assault on Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik in Odisha, who was allegedly forced by vigilantes to consume cow dung and recite religious chants.
“We are not political people,” the Archbishop added. “There have been attacks on Christians on the basis of religion. We are afraid of it. We want the Prime Minister to take necessary precautions and condemn such acts.”
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The Church and the Constitution
The 37th General Body Meeting, themed “Faith and the Nation: The Church’s Witness to India’s Constitutional Vision,” is being held at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences from February 4 to February 10, 2026.
The agenda suggests a Church in deep reflection. With sessions led by legal luminaries such as former Supreme Court Justice K.M. Joseph and Professor D. Dominic, the conference aims to analyze the “Current Socio-Political Context” through the lens of constitutional values.
“The General Body Meeting provides a space for collective discernment on how the Church can continue to serve society while remaining faithful to the constitutional vision of justice, equality, and dignity for all,” a senior CBCI office-bearer noted.
Strategic Context: Legal and Physical Threats
The backdrop of this year’s summit is particularly fraught. According to internal schedules, the bishops will deliberate on:
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Anti-Conversion Laws: Recent Supreme Court directives regarding PILs on anti-conversion legislation across 12 states.
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Institutional Violence: A rise in intimidation tactics against schools, hospitals, and churches.
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Holiday Harassment: Unprecedented incidents of violence reported during the 2025 Christmas season.
Archbishop Thazhath pointed out that these attacks are not isolated to one region. He specifically recalled the August 2025 incident in Odisha, where Catholic nuns and priests from Kerala were targeted.
“We Christians have contributed to nation-building and will continue to do that,” the Archbishop reiterated, highlighting the community’s historical role in education and healthcare.
Looking Ahead: Resolutions and Leadership
The biennial meeting is not merely a platform for grievance but also a critical administrative event. The assembly will include elections for new CBCI office-bearers and chairpersons for various commissions.
The week will conclude on February 9 with a public felicitation of Christian laypeople for their service to the nation, followed by a final valedictory session on February 10. A formal statement outlining the Church’s resolutions and its official stance on national issues is expected to be released during a final press briefing at 3:30 pm that day.
Key Quotes
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“Protecting the rights of minorities and Christians is the duty of the Government. We want the Prime Minister to take necessary precautions and condemn such acts.” – Archbishop Andrews Thazhath
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“Whenever we go to the authorities, they say they are fringe groups. But take control of those fringe groups.” – Archbishop Andrews Thazhath
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“ಅಲ್ಪಸಂಖ್ಯಾತರ ಮತ್ತು ಕ್ರೈಸ್ತರ ಹಕ್ಕುಗಳನ್ನು ರಕ್ಷಿಸುವುದು ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಕರ್ತವ್ಯ. ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಮಂತ್ರಿಯವರು ಅಗತ್ಯ ಮುನ್ನೆಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ ವಹಿಸಬೇಕು ಮತ್ತು ಇಂತಹ ಕೃತ್ಯಗಳನ್ನು ಖಂಡಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ನಾವು ಬಯಸುತ್ತೇವೆ.” – ಆರ್ಚ್ಬಿಷಪ್ ಆಂಡ್ರ್ಯೂಸ್ ತಜತ್
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“ನಾವು ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಬಳಿಗೆ ಹೋದಾಗಲೆಲ್ಲಾ, ಅವರು ‘ಅತಿಕ್ರಮಣಕಾರಿ ಗುಂಪುಗಳು’ (fringe groups) ಎಂದು ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ ಅಂತಹ ಗುಂಪುಗಳನ್ನು ಹತೋಟಿಗೆ ತನ್ನಿ.” – ಆರ್ಚ್ಬಿಷಪ್ ಆಂಡ್ರ್ಯೂಸ್ ತಜತ್
