Four Christians were killed, many injured and numerous homes and churches destroyed or damaged in Orissa state in violent clashes that began on Christmas Eve.
According to The Voice of the Martyrs sources in India, “Hindu extremists used anti-conversion laws to terrorize Christians. More than 18 churches and prayer houses were ransacked and torched in several areas of Kandhamai district in Orissa. Rev. Basant Diggal reports that he was assaulted and his motorcycle damaged by a group of miscreants in (the) Minia area, where vandals went on a rampage causing damage to another church.”
VOM sources added Hindu extremists in Orissa have been threatening and terrorizing Christians who are marginalized and are in the minority. “In this state the church is endlessly accused of converting non-Christians, and Swami Sarawati, who was behind the violence, is a leader of the anti-conversion movement. Back in 1967, the state adopted the Freedom of Religion Act, which stated the process that has led to repressive anti-conversion laws,” they added.
Hindu extremists use anti-conversion laws to prevent Christians from worshipping freely. VOM sources said, “The attacks took place for the sole reason of terrorizing the Christian community and stopping our missionary work. But the church has always grown in persecution and this will happen again in Orissa. The church which grows in love and unity has as its basis a faith marked by suffering and persecution.”
Pray for Christians in India who are faced with immense difficulty at this time. Pray for the families of those killed and those whose homes and churches were damaged or destroyed. Ask God to give believers courage to remain faithful despite persecution.
