Indian Christians launch peace campaign amid rise in attacks
Church leaders in eastern Indian state of West Bengal announce rallies, interfaith dialogue and digital outreach after reporting growing hate campaigns and church vandalism
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Christian organizations in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal have launched a statewide campaign promoting communal harmony after a rise in hate campaigns, misinformation and attacks targeting churches and the Christian community.
The initiative, announced by Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP) at a news conference in Kolkata, includes 100 regional peace rallies, interfaith dialogue programs and a mass prayer gathering expected to attract about 100,000 participants later this year.
According to BCP, the campaign was prompted by a series of recent incidents, including the alleged vandalism of churches in several parts of West Bengal and what the organization described as an increase in anti-Christian rhetoric.
The organization said it will also hold 100 roundtable discussions involving academics, writers, artists and religious leaders to examine the impact of hate campaigns on relations between different communities. A digital campaign aimed at countering misinformation and hate speech will accompany the public events.
BCP also announced plans to create a broader platform linking Christian organizations across 11 eastern and northeastern Indian states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Jharkhand, to coordinate responses to issues affecting Christian communities.
Among the incidents cited by the organization was the vandalism of an under-construction church in Subhasgram, a town on the outskirts of Kolkata in eastern India, on July 5, when unidentified people allegedly damaged a cross installed on the roof and parts of the building.
BCP said similar incidents were also reported in Barasat, north of Kolkata, and West Midnapore district, also in the eastern state of West Bengal.
Bishop Paritosh Canning, moderator of the Church of North India and president of the Bengal Christian Council, urged the West Bengal government to ensure the safety of churches and other Christian institutions.
Although Christians account for only about 2.3% of India’s population, church leaders and human rights organizations have documented a sharp increase in attacks on churches, pastors and Christian gatherings in recent years.
Many of the incidents have been linked to Hindu extremist groups accusing Christians of carrying out forced religious conversions, allegations that Christian organizations have repeatedly denied.
Rights advocates say anti-conversion laws adopted in several Indian states have also contributed to growing pressure on the country’s Christian minority.
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