Release International

Christians in Orissa, India, have been breathing a sigh of relief after threats of Christmas violence failed to materialise. Militants want to halt the growing numbers of India’s underclass who are converting to Christianity. 

Under government pressure Hindu extremists called off strike action planned for Christmas Day, which observers feared would provoke confrontation with Christians trying to travel to Christmas services. 

Previous strike calls coincided with violent attacks against Christians last Christmas and again in August. These left more than 100 dead or missing and drove thousands from their homes. Around 8,000 remain in makeshift camps. 

Militants burnt churches, houses and businesses, and forced Christian members of the Dalit community to reconvert to Hinduism on pain of death. Some were buried or burnt alive rather than renounce their Christian faith. 

One of the worst-hit areas was Kandhamal, where militants burned down many Baptist churches built by British missionaries.  

Indian partners of Release International, which serves the persecuted Church, have been pressing for extra police to protect Christians, and providing relief aid to the displaced. 

‘Thank God prayer has prevailed,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper, ‘and the government heeded calls to send in police reservists.’ 

Right-wing militants, who want a Hindu-only India, launched attacks on Christians after the murder of a prominent Hindu leader. Maoist guerrillas claimed responsibility for the killing, but militants blamed local Christians. 

They are angry that the authorities have failed to bring the killers to justice. Another contention is the growing numbers of Dalits - India’s underclass - who are turning to Christianity. 

The Dalits – their name means 'broken or crushed' – are beneath the caste system and considered the lowest of the low. They used to be called ‘untouchables’ because many Hindus believe that to touch a Dalit is to be made unclean. 

Many of India’s 130 million Dalits are consigned to scavenging tasks. Up to a million are involved in clearing up human excrement. Many more work in bonded labour to pay off age-old family debts. Their plight has been described as modern-day slavery. 

‘Although the caste system has been abolished under the Indian constitution it remains in many people's hearts,’ says Andy Dipper. 

Understandably, many Dalits have been converting to Buddhism and Islam – and growing numbers are turning to Christianity. Seven Indian states have passed anti-conversion laws. 

‘In Christ there is no difference between Dalit and Brahmin – those at the top of the caste system. Jesus gives value to each and gave his life for all,’ says Release International’s Andy Dipper. 

‘This is about the freedom of millions of Indian people to choose their faith and affirm their worth as human beings. Release International is working closely with its partners in India to support persecuted Christians.’ www.releaseinternational.org 

ENDS

Back to top