Attacks pain Archbishop

Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) president Archbishop Andrews Thazhath on Christmas Eve appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers of various states to ensure strict enforcement of law and extend proactive protection to Christian communities across the country, citing a disturbing rise in attacks on Christians.

- PTI

In a video appeal released by the CBCI, the Archbishop expressed "deep pain" over the incidents.

He said they deeply wounded the spirit of India's Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion.

Referring to the message of Christmas as one of peace, joy, hope and harmony, he said that during the holy season, reports of attacks on Christians were deeply distressing.

"But today, as I meet you, it is with deep pain and concern that I speak over the disturbing rise in attacks on Christians in several parts of our country.

During this holy Christmas season, we are pained to hear about it," he said.

He said peaceful carol singers and members of the faithful gathered in churches and at prayer meetings had been targeted, creating fear and distress among law-abiding citizens who only wished to celebrate their faith in peace. Such incidents, he said, "deeply wound the spirit of our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion... the right to worship without fear".

"I unequivocally condemn these acts of hatred.

And I respectfully urge those responsible people to take visible action against those who seek to divide our society," the Archbishop said.