10,000 converts per year in northeastern India

March 15, 2011

Despite intense opposition from local political leaders, the Church in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh has been blessed with strong growth over the past three decades. In 1978, it was illegal for Christians to enter the state; now there are 10,000 adult converts every year, and Christians make up 40% of the population.

“There are 26 major tribes, which can be divided into … more than 120 sub-tribes, and each of these sub-tribes [has] their own dialects and specific culture,” explains Salesian Bishop George Palliparampil. “They want somebody who loves them - this is my experience … I think the greatest success, if I could call it that, was that the people felt that in the Church they find somebody who walks along with them.”

 

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Further information:

• Arunachal Pradesh: Head-hunters to Christians - An interview with Bishop Palliparampil (Aid to the Church in Need)