CBCI Condemns Hate Against Christians, Seeks Protection During Christmas

New Delhi, December 23, 2025: Expressing deep anguish over what it described as an alarming rise in attacks on Christians during the Christmas season, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) strongly condemned incidents targeting Christian communities in several states and demanded urgent action to ensure their safety.

In a statement, the CBCI said the reported attacks, particularly against peaceful carol singers and congregations gathered in churches for prayer, seriously undermined India’s constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and the right to live and worship without fear.

The bishops’ body said it was particularly shocked by a viral video from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, which allegedly showed a visually challenged woman attending a Christmas programme being publicly abused and physically harassed by Anju Bhargava, identified as the city vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Party. It also referred to reports of what it termed “anti-national groups” disrupting Christmas gatherings.

Terming the incident dehumanising, the CBCI demanded the immediate dismissal of Anju Bhargava from the party. It further expressed concern over the circulation of hate-filled digital posters in Chhattisgarh, which reportedly called for a bandh on December 24, 2025, against Christians, warning that such messages could inflame tensions and incite further violence.

Condemning these acts in the strongest possible terms, the CBCI urged both state governments and the Union government to take urgent and visible action against individuals and organisations spreading hatred and violence. The statement also appealed to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, to ensure strict enforcement of the law and proactive protection for Christian communities so that Christmas could be celebrated peacefully, in an atmosphere of security and harmony, across the country.

By Catholic Connect Reporter