Who and what are behind these recent attacks?
Fueling these attacks is the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), a Hindu nationalist group that has been trained to oppose Christianity. In Central India, the RSS brought out volunteers from the tribal areas and trained them to oppose Christians. These tribal leaders (punjab) have spread hate, calling for the removal of Christians from their communities.
GCR’s CEO Dr. David Curry explains that one of the RSS’s main tactics is to stoke anger in the tribal communities against Christians, telling them that followers of Jesus will poison their land, convert their people and take their heritage away.”
These ideals are extremely dangerous, leading to bold attacks against Christians and other minorities. Tribal leaders are even calling for the removal of Christians from their communities.” Christians have been in the tribal areas of India for generations.
In addition, Chhattisgarh is one the states in India that has adopted radical anti-conversion laws. Anti-conversion laws were originally implemented in India in the 1930s as a way to prevent “Christianization” and to “preserve Hindu religious identity in the face of British missionaries.” These laws have recently become much more extreme, with many states in India punishing Hindus who convert to Christianity, throwing them in jail, racking fines against them or worse
In India, since the start of 2023, according to our local partner in India, attacks and discrimination against Christians have risen to an all-time high, with 2,000 Indian Christians, like Kave and Munit, being displaced from their homes. Thankfully, so far, there have been no reported deaths.
However, despite the recent attacks, the resolve of Christians remains high. In reflecting on the recent attack and robbery, Kave says, “It is still worth it to follow Jesus. I never thought of denying His name. I have forgiven [our persecutors], and I want to be obedient to Christ. Please pray for Christians in Chhattisgarh and also pray for our persecutors to come to know Jesus.”
Pray with us for our Indian family
Will you also join us in praying for our persecuted family? Let’s pray boldly that anti-conversion laws will be overturned, and those in favor of them will have a fundamental change of heart. Pray for the voice of the RSS to be silenced, that they will lose their power in India and their movement will come to an abrupt halt. And pray by name for Kave and Munit, that they will know they’re not alone, that their global family sees them and is for them, and that they’ll find the tangible resources necessary to provide for themselves and their families.
Lord, please hear our prayers for our family in need. Let them know we are with and for them. In Your name. Amen.
*Names changed to preserve security
