Indian Bishops Appeal to PM Modi to Condemn Attacks on Christians, Uphold Constitutional Values

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unequivocally condemn attacks on Christians and places of worship and to ensure the protection of religious minorities in keeping with India’s constitutional values.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru ahead of the 37th CBCI General Body Meeting, CBCI President Archbishop Andrew Thazhath said the government bears a constitutional responsibility to safeguard the fundamental rights of all citizens, including religious minorities.

“The government has a duty to protect the rights of religious minorities,” Archbishop Thazhath said. “Whenever there is an attack on Christians, we seek the attention of the authorities. These issues were also raised during our Christmas meetings. We strongly appeal for the protection of minority rights.”

The General Body Meeting is being held from February 4 to 10, 2026, at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru.

Referring to recent incidents, the archbishop expressed concern that violence against Christians is often dismissed as the work of fringe groups.

“When we approach the authorities, such attacks are frequently described as acts of fringe elements. But it is also the duty of the government to restrain and suppress such groups. We are deeply concerned and urge the Prime Minister to intervene directly and denounce these acts,” he said.

The bishops’ appeal comes weeks after Pastor Bipin Bihari Naik was allegedly assaulted by members of the Bajrang Dal in Odisha and reportedly forced to consume cow dung and chant religious slogans—an incident that drew nationwide condemnation.

The CBCI General Body Meeting is being held under the theme “Faith and the Nation: The Church’s Witness to India’s Constitutional Vision.” The gathering seeks to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to India’s Constitution and its role in the country’s socio-political life.

Former Supreme Court judge Justice K. M. Joseph and academic Prof. D. Dominic are scheduled to address the bishops on the theme “The Current Socio-Political Context and Constitutional Values.”

Present at the press conference were CBCI Secretary General Archbishop Anil J. T. Couto, Vice-President II Bishop Joseph Mar Thomas, Deputy Secretary General Fr. Mathew Koyickal, and CBCI Public Relations Officer Fr. Robinson Rodrigues.

Highlighting the broader impact of attacks on Christians, social worker Ajaya Kumar Singh said such incidents amount to violations of fundamental rights.

“Families are prevented from praying in their own homes and churches, students face restrictions on travel for camps, livelihoods in public transport are affected, and even dignified burial of the dead is denied. Many families are forced to approach the Supreme Court, often without timely justice,” Singh said.

He also welcomed a recent Allahabad High Court judgment affirming that no state permission is required for prayer in private premises.

“It is time the Supreme Court takes up anti-conversion laws—which mock fundamental rights—and declares them unconstitutional,” he added.

The CBCI is the permanent association of Catholic bishops in India, established in 1944. It comprises 257 bishops representing 174 dioceses, drawn from the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Churches. The CBCI serves as the official national body of the Catholic Church in India, engaging in advocacy on issues of national importance and representing the Church before the government.

The General Body Meeting of the CBCI is held once every two years.