The Problem

India

Leader: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Population: 1.4 billion (66.2 million Christians)
World Watch List Rank: 10

“Then, my family and people from the village got to know that I go to church every Sunday. I met intense opposition – ‘You are a shame to the family; our community people detest us because you go to church. Either leave Jesus or forget the relationship you have with us.’ This was what my parents told me.”
Tara, 15 year old Christian from India

The basics

Hindu extremists want to see India free of Christians by the end of 2021.

Hindu nationalists see being Hindu as part of Indian identity – following any other faith is seen as a betrayal. The government, led by a Hindu nationalist party, turns a blind eye to attacks on Christians and other minorities. Christians make up less than five per cent of the population in India, and in rural areas they can be particularly isolated. They face beatings, false imprisonment, and even death because of their faith.

With the government of India is allowing violent attacks to take place against Christians, and an extremist group linked with the leading political party actively trying to wipe out the church, it isn’t surprising that Christians in India are facing horrific levels of persecution. Open Doors church partners estimate that almost 12,500 Christians were physically attacked in 2018 because of their faith. Several states in India have adopted anti-conversion laws, and the ruling party have made it clear that they would like to bring in these laws nationwide. Such laws are often used as an excuse to disrupt church services and harass Christians and make it incredibly difficult for Christians to share their faith with others.

But people are coming to know Jesus, many in miraculous and amazing ways. See Tara’s story below for an example..

Main threats to Christians

• Violent extremist attacks
• Anti-conversion laws
• Expulsion from families and communities

The facts

• Those in power see being Indian as being Hindu, so Indians that are Christian are despised.
• A Hindu extremist group linked to a leading political party is actively trying to wipe out the church – they’ve set a target of 2021.
• 12,500 Christians and about 100 churches were attacked last year.
• India still has a strict caste system that orders society. Many Christians come from the poorest caste, the dalits or untouchables. They are despised by others in higher up, more respectable castes.
• Violence against Christians is turning increasing brutal and extreme.

Where is it?

Things to pray for…

• For protection for Christians from Hindu backgrounds
• Open Doors partners are helping Christians to understand their legal rights – pray this will be effective in helping them to defend themselves from false accusations
• Many are coming to faith in India through incredible healings – pray that God would continue to use His people to bring healing and hope to others.

Videos

Meet Tara…

The good news: How we’re helping…

Open Doors works with local churches to strengthen the Indian church through providing emergency aid (Rapid Response teams are often first on the scene after violent attacks), persecution survival training, Bibles, livelihood development, advocacy support and legal training.

Latest news and articles on India…

Click the India tag below for a list of the latest articles and news on the country…

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