Indian Christians under attack

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 17 Nov 2013.

As attacks on Christians and legal restrictions on Christian activities spread in India, human rights organisation Release International has called on the Indian Government to protect Christians from attacks and from laws intended to deny religious freedom to Christian minorities.

On Monday, Release International staged a prayer vigil at the India High Commission in London.  Supporters presented a petition signed by 28,000 people on behalf of Indian Christians suffering violence from Hindu militants and threats from anti-conversion laws.

The petition calls on the Indian Government to protect Christians from growing attacks from extremists, as well as widening discriminatory legislation threatening church activities.

The attackers and those pressing for anti-Christian legislation subscribe to a form of Hindu ultra-nationalism called Hindutva.  Adherents believe that to be Indian is to be Hindu.  Release International has urged authorities to do everything in their power to stop the attacks and bring those responsible to justice.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.