More than a thousand Christians from across denominations took part in a peaceful protest march in Hazaribag Diocese, in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, on August 17 under the banner of the One in Christ Committee. The march was held to denounce increasing violence, harassment, and false accusations against priests, sisters, and believers in several parts of India, Catholic Connect reported.
The protest comes in the wake of a shocking case in Durg, Chhattisgarh, on July 25, when two Catholic sisters, Sr. Prithi and Sr. Mary Francis, along with four Adivasi Christian youths, were falsely accused of religious conversion and human trafficking before being jailed. The Archdiocese of Ranchi had earlier condemned the arrests, calling them a grave injustice.
Christian leaders in Hazaribag said such incidents form part of a disturbing pattern of intimidation in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and other regions. They warned that silencing minorities undermines both religious freedom and India’s democratic fabric.
The march began at the Cathedral Church, drawing close to 1,000 participants. Passing through the city’s main chowks, it ended at the Collectorate, where leaders submitted a memorandum to officials. The event concluded at the Cathedral Ashram Church ground with prayers for peace and justice.
Priests, pastors, sisters, catechists, students, health workers, and lay leaders from Catholic, CNI, G.E.L., Assembly of God, Baptist, and Pentecostal communities all joined the demonstration. Organized by the One in Christ Committee, it brought together Christians from Hazaribag, Bokaro, and Chatra districts.
In their memorandum, the United Christian community called on the Government, judiciary, and authorities to:
- Protect the rights of minorities enshrined in the Constitution.
- Guarantee freedom of religion and expression.
- End false accusations and arbitrary arrests of priests, sisters, and believers.
The peaceful march, marked by silent prayers and placards, reflected the Christian commitment to Gospel values of justice, peace, love, and brotherhood.
According to Catholic Connect, participants affirmed that the community in Jharkhand would continue to stand firm in faith and unity despite growing challenges.
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