Christianity is believed to have reached India in 52 AD, when the Apostle Thomas is traditionally said to have landed on the Malabar Coast in present-day Kerala. According to long-standing Christian traditions, Thomas baptized the ancestors of the modern Syrian Christians in Kerala, establishing one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. These Thomas Christians, also known as Nasrani, have played a significant role in India’s religious landscape for nearly two millennia.
Today, however, Christianity is increasingly seen as a threat to Indian society by Hindu fundamentalist groups. These groups have promoted anti-conversion laws and a narrative that portrays Christians as manipulative agents of foreign influence. These laws, which exist in several Indian states, criminalize conversions obtained through coercion or fraud—vaguely defined terms that critics say are used to target Christians and their evangelistic efforts.
In a recent conversation with a leading advocate for the persecuted Church in India, the harsh reality of these challenges was made strikingly clear. Due to security concerns, we are unable to share the identity of this individual, but his 30 years of work supporting local pastors across India has given him unique insight into the growing persecution of Christians. Himself a native of India, his perspective helps us understand the day-to-day struggles of Christian communities in this complex environment.
“India has been called the graveyard of missionaries,” he shared, recounting the story of Dr. Graham Staines, an Australian missionary who, along with his two sons, was brutally murdered in 1999. The Staines family was ambushed by a mob in Odisha, who set fire to their vehicle while they slept. Despite the horrific loss, Dr. Staines’ wife, Gladys, chose to stay in India and continue their work. When she was called to testify during the trial of her family’s murderers, she publicly forgave the attackers, speaking of mercy rather than revenge. Though she was honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, the narrative that Christians engage in coercive conversions persisted, largely driven by Hindu nationalist groups.
“One RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) leader once said that whatever Mother Teresa did for our people through her mission, she did it to convert them to Christianity,” said our source. “If even Mother Teresa—a global icon of charity—could not escape such accusations, what can the average Christian in India expect?”
The result is that many Indian Christians live under the constant threat of social ostracization, economic exclusion, and even violence. “If someone converts to Christianity, they are often rejected by their family and community,” our contact explained. “People refuse to do business with them, even refusing to sell them basic goods like fruits and vegetables.” In extreme cases, Christians face life-threatening attacks, such as the ongoing violence in Manipur, where tensions between the majority Meitei Hindus and the minority Kuki Christians have displaced over 70,000 people and left many dead or missing.
“There have been countless pastors falsely accused of forcible conversions and imprisoned,” said our advocate. “Not a single case has been proven true. But the truth is simple: no one is forcing anyone to convert. It is the Spirit of the Lord, and the truth will always prevail.”
In this climate of fear and persecution, digital and audio Bibles have become a source of hope for many displaced Christians who have lost their homes, belongings, and printed Bibles. One pastor shared his experience with us: “One day the Holy Spirit made me realize that what I was doing—keeping away from the Word—was wrong. The Bible on an SD card really helped me reconnect with my life source, which is His living Word. I am truly thankful for this SD card.”
As Hindu nationalist movements solidify their influence in India, particularly through the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Christians face increased challenges. Yet despite these difficulties, they remain resilient in their faith. We invite you to join us in praying for our brothers and sisters in India, that they may find strength and comfort in God’s Word.
Prayer
God, you are near to the brokenhearted, and you comfort those who mourn. We lift up our grieving brothers and sisters in India. We thank you for their steadfast faith and ask that you continue to strengthen them. May your Word reach every heart and every place, and may your truth always prevail. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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