- 15 January, 2026
Chennai, Jan 15, 2026: Expressing deep concern, the Church of South India (CSI) strongly condemned a disturbing surge in incidents involving intimidation, harassment, and the disruption of Christian communities and Christmas celebrations across several parts of India during the recent Christmas season.
These concerns were reiterated during a Condemnation Protest Demonstration organised by the CSI Diocese of Madras on January 12, at Rajarathnam Stadium, Egmore, Chennai. The gathering brought together church leaders, clergy, and members of various Christian denominations in a peaceful display of protest and solidarity.
The demonstration was presided over by Rt. Rev. Paul Francis Ravichandran, Bishop in Madras, and witnessed the participation of bishops, Synod officials, clergy, and representatives from several CSI dioceses across the Tamil region.
According to reports cited by the Church of South India, incidents of hostility towards Christians were recorded in Delhi (Lajpat Nagar), Palakkad (Kerala), Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Hisar (Haryana), along with reports of pressure and intimidation in Rajasthan and several other states. Community members peacefully celebrating Christmas reportedly faced threats, cancellation of events, vandalism of Christmas displays, coercive moral policing, and disruption of worship.
Church leaders noted with deep concern that such a large number of incidents—particularly occurring on Christmas Day and during Christmas celebrations—has not been witnessed in the past. These developments, they said, raise serious questions about the safety and freedom of Christians to practise their faith without fear.
“When even peaceful Christmas celebrations are met with threats and disruptions, it creates fear and insecurity among communities,” the CSI statement noted, warning that such actions weaken the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, including freedom of religion, equality, and human dignity.
The Church emphasised that Article 25 of the Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of conscience and the free profession, practice, and propagation of religion—rights that form the foundation of India’s pluralistic and secular democratic framework. Any attempt to intimidate or marginalise individuals on the basis of faith, the Church stated, not only violates constitutional freedoms but also undermines the nation’s long-cherished ethos of mutual respect.
Addressing the gathering, Adv. C. Fernandas Rathina Raja, General Secretary of the Church of South India and Central Committee Member of the World Council of Churches, Geneva, delivered a strong Message of Condemnation. He drew attention to constitutional safeguards, relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, and the moral responsibility of the State to protect minority communities.
The protest also saw the participation of Rt. Rev. Dr. Jaisingh Prince Prabhakaran, Bishop in the Madurai–Ramnad Diocese, along with Synod department directors, staff, and representatives from several CSI dioceses. Leaders from the Catholic Church, Evangelical Church of India, Pentecostal Churches, pastors from the Arcot Lutheran Church, and members of the wider faith community joined the demonstration, reflecting strong ecumenical solidarity.
Among those who addressed the gathering was Rt. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, Vice President of the Tamil Nadu Bishops’ Council, who highlighted the significant contribution of Christians to nation-building through education, healthcare, and social service. He also reiterated the Christian commitment to non-violence, peace, and religious harmony.
The Church of South India expressed solidarity with all those affected by these incidents, mourning the pain endured by families and communities, particularly children who experienced harassment during a season meant for joy, peace, and reconciliation.
Reaffirming its commitment to harmonious coexistence, respect for diversity, and the protection of fundamental rights, the CSI called upon civil society, religious leaders of all faiths, and governmental authorities at every level to uphold the rule of law, ensure the safety of minority communities, and create conditions in which all citizens can celebrate their festivals without fear or discrimination.
The Church of South India reiterated that it will continue to stand firm in support of religious freedom, human dignity, and the constitutional right of all communities to live in peace and mutual respect.
Source: Church of South India / CSI Synod
Photo Credit: The Church of South India Synod
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