AICU Condemns Criminalisation of Christian Worship in Various States Under Anti-Conversion Laws

Mangalore, September 24, 2025 -  The All India Catholic Union (AICU), in a press statement issued today, condemned the criminalisation of Christian worship under anti-conversion laws in several Indian states and called for transparent elections and accurate enumeration of OBC and Dalit communities in the national census. The press statement was released following the conclusion of the union's Annual General Body meeting in Mangalore, Karnataka. Rising numbers of attacks on religious minorities and social inequities affecting Dalits, OBCs, Adivasis, and other marginalised groups, as well as other pressing issues, were discussed by AICU members during the meeting.

The AICU press statement mentioned that the meeting was inaugurated by Karnataka MLC Mr. Ivan D’Souza and presided over by AICU National President Er. Elias Vaz. During the meeting, members of the Union highlighted that anti-conversion laws in 12 states are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court for violating constitutional freedoms of faith and expression. Members also cited data showing 508 attacks on Christians in India recorded between January and August 2025, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number of incidents at 123. It was also noted that out of all these attacks, police registered First Information Reports in just 36 cases, raising concerns of systemic apathy and complicity. 

Members of the Union urged the President of India, the higher judiciary, and the Union government to restore public trust in institutions like the Election Commission, stressing that equitable participation in national resources and governance is possible only through transparent elections and an honest caste census. They also cautioned against any attempt to disenfranchise Christian Adivasis and tribals by robbing them of the Scheduled Tribe status and questioned the revival of the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, as a move to curb the community’s activities.

The AGM featured “Bandhutva”, an interreligious dialogue session on compassion, inaugurated by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khadar. The dialogue featured addresses by Bp. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore; Prof. Rajaram Tholpady; and noted Kannada writer Fatima Ralia. A new AICU website was launched during the meeting, and a book by John Shilshi IPS (Rtd.) on Manipur’s experience with AFSPA was also released. A training programme on crisis management was also conducted, drawing participation from 145 members from across the country.

Through its statement, the AICU reaffirmed its commitment to protecting religious freedoms, promoting social justice, and countering hate campaigns, calling for law enforcement and state benefits to be provided without religious bias.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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