Kochi, India — August 3, 2025
Religious tensions continue to rise in India as Archbishop Joseph Kalathiparambil of the Archdiocese of Verapoly (Varapuzha) sounded a grave warning about the “escalating persecution” of Christians and Muslims in northern India.
The Archbishop led a massive protest march through the streets of Kochi and Kottayam on Sunday, denouncing what he called “a deliberate attempt to silence faith communities through fear and fabricated charges.”
“A Country That Once Respected Faith Now Punishes It”
During the demonstration, Archbishop Kalathiparambil addressed a crowd of hundreds, urging government leaders to uphold the spirit of India’s Constitution.
“India has a priceless Constitution that the world respects,” he declared.
“But what is happening today? Those who are supposed to protect these constitutional rights are instead becoming their destroyers.”
The protest was sparked by the recent arrest of two Catholic nuns, Sister Preethi Mary and Sister Vandana Francis, who were taken into custody in the state of Chhattisgarh under accusations of “forced conversions” — charges the Church says are completely false.
According to eyewitnesses and local Christian leaders, the nuns were detained while conducting charitable and educational work in rural areas.
“They were helping the poor and teaching children,” said Fr. Augustine Kuriakose, a local priest present at the rally.
“Yet, their compassion is being branded as crime.”
A Call for Justice and Religious Harmony
The Archdiocese demanded the immediate withdrawal of what it described as “fabricated legal actions” and urged the federal government to protect minorities from communal violence.
Religious freedom advocates warn that anti-conversion laws in several Indian states are increasingly being weaponized to target Christian and Muslim communities.
A report from Open Doors International lists India as the 11th most dangerous country for Christians, citing mob violence, destruction of property, and intimidation by extremist groups.
“These laws are being misused to criminalize acts of faith,” said human rights activist Dr. Meera John.
“When charity, prayer, and social service are portrayed as threats, democracy itself is at risk.”
A Pattern of Rising Hostility
The protests in Kerala echo a wider pattern of religious intolerance that has swept across India over the last decade. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, minority groups have reported harassment, church raids, and arbitrary arrests.
Many believe that political polarization and misinformation have fueled this growing climate of hostility.
“It’s not just about religion anymore,” said social analyst Ravi Menon.
“It’s about power and the control of identity. Faith communities have become collateral damage.”
“We Will Not Be Silent”
As the march concluded, participants held candles and sang hymns calling for peace and unity. The Archbishop reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to nonviolent resistance and interfaith solidarity.
“We will continue to love, to serve, and to pray for our country,” Archbishop Kalathiparambil said.
“We will not be silent in the face of injustice. We will answer hate with faith.”
India’s Christian population makes up roughly 2.3% of the nation’s 1.4 billion people, while Muslims account for about 14%.
Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, minority groups have increasingly reported violence, social boycotts, and political exclusion.
Source:
The Times of India – “Christians, Muslims in north India still facing persecution: Varapuzha archbishop”
Published August 3, 2025
🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/christians-muslims-in-north-india-still-facing-persecution-varapuzha-archbishop/articleshow/123067709.cms
