Indian prime minister finally speaks out on anti-Christian violence
February 18, 2015
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding at last to pleas from Church leaders, has spoken out against acts of anti-Christian violence.
"We cannot accept violence against any religion on any pretext and I strongly condemn such violence,” Modi said He promised that his government would “act strongly” to ensure that “everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice.”
In January, responding to arson attacks on churches, India’s Catholic bishops called upon Modi to uphold the secular character of Indian society and the government’s pledge to religious freedom. Church leaders expressed concern that the government’s failure to respond to anti-Christian violence was encouraging Hindu militants. Modi leads the Bharatiya Janata Party, a Hindu nationalist bloc.
Even in his pledge to protect religious freedom, the UCANews service noted, Prime Minister Modi did not refer specifically to attacks on Christian churches.
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Further information:
- Modi tells Christians his govt will ensure religious freedom (UCANews)
- India's bishops appeal to prime minister: save secular society (CWN, 1/22)
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