Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Christmas celebration – Swiss Catholic Portal

The presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modiux Christmas celebrations at the headquarters of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI)on December 23, 2024, was variously received by Christians in the country. If officially we welcome his interest in minority communities, others denounce the persecution suffered by Christians in the country.

“The teachings of Christ celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood. It is important that we all work to strengthen this spirit. However, I am pained when attempts are made to spread violence and disrupt society,” Narendra Modi said at the event. “It is essential that we come together to fight such challenges,” he said. he added, referring to the attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.

The Prime Minister also said that the Christian community is a part of the nation and India will develop and progress rapidly only if every citizen moves forward with others, irrespective of caste, religion or financial status.

200 Christian leaders denounce persecution

A statement from nearly 200 Christian leaders opposed Modi’s visit to the Christmas event. This text recalls that Narendra Modi is the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which maintains close links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist militant organization responsible for numerous abuses against Christians.

Religious minorities have complained of increased harassment since the BJP took power in 2014 on an agenda favoring Hinduism. “It is surprising that despite the increasing persecution of Christians, prominent members of the Christian hierarchy have chosen to engage with Prime Minister Modi, who has been criticized for his inaction in protecting the rights of Christians,” it says. read in the statement. “From January to November 2024, India recorded 745 incidents against Christian citizens attacked for their faith,” the text adds.

Hindu nationalism

“One of the main reasons for this alarming rise in persecution is the resurgence of Hindutva nationalism, which has led to an increase in anti-minority sentiment, particularly targeting Christians and Muslims,” the statement continued.

“Symbolic gestures do little to resolve the problem of hatred generated against the community and the resulting targeted violence, harassment, arrests and incidents of ostracism in several parts of the country,” adds the press release.

Catholic bishops for a message of peace

For the Catholic bishops it is nevertheless important to establish a dialogue with the Hindu majority of the nation.

“Christmas is a time when we come together to celebrate the message of peace, love and goodwill brought to us by the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. This gathering is a powerful symbol of the unity and harmony that define the spirit of India. Mr Prime Minister, your vision of a united and progressive India resonates with the Gospel values ​​of inclusion and service to all,” said Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Thrissur of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.

The prelate did not, however, fail to “bring to your attention the concerns of those who have been targeted by anti-social fringe elements. These incidents of violence and discrimination not only harm the people involved, but also disrupt the harmony and unity that you tirelessly strive to maintain” (cath.ch/crux/mp)