A delegation from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), led by Archbishop Andrews Thazhath of Trichur, recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to address mounting concerns over the escalating hostility faced by Christians across the country.
Describing the encounter as “cordial,” the CBCI delegation, in their 45-minute discussion with the newly re-elected Prime Minister, appealed for immediate measures to curb violence and harassment directed at Christians. The Uca news agency reported that the bishops highlighted their distress regarding the misuse of anti-conversion laws, often wielded as a pretext for unjustified attacks.
Central to their discussion was a memorandum presented to Modi, underscoring longstanding grievances. Foremost among these was the demand to extend reserved benefits, including quotas in government jobs, educational institutions, and financial aid, currently limited to Dalits of Hindu origin, to Christian Dalits as well. The bishops argued against the exclusion of Christian and Muslim Dalits from these privileges, which were originally instituted to uplift marginalized communities post-Independence.
Additionally, the memorandum drew attention to the underrepresentation of Christians in key governmental bodies such as the National Commission for Minorities and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions. The bishops urged the Prime Minister to address this disparity by appointing Christian representatives.
Further concerns were raised regarding the challenges faced by Christian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) under the Foreign Currency Regulation Act (FCRA). The bishops expressed dismay over what they termed “undue challenges” during the renewal of FCRA registrations, despite the significant contributions of Christian NGOs in sectors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.
The delegation also commended Modi for extending an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India, a gesture made during the G7 Summit’s outreach session in southern Italy. Emphasizing the importance of this invitation, the bishops urged continued efforts to expedite the visit.
Lastly, the bishops sought Modi’s intervention in the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, stressing the need for immediate governmental action to quell unrest in the northeastern state since May 3, 2023.
The meeting between the Catholic bishops and Prime Minister Modi underscores a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between religious minorities and the Indian government, amid growing concerns over religious tolerance and communal harmony in the country.