KCBC Vigilance Commission Condemns Arrest of Nuns, Flags Growing Religious Intolerance

India, July 27, 2025: The Vigilance (Jagratha) Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) has strongly condemned the recent arrest of two Catholic nuns from Kerala—Sr. Vandhana Francis and Sr. Preethi Mary—in Durg, Chhattisgarh. The Commission described the arrest on 25 July as “unjust”, asserting that it was based on “false and baseless” allegations of religious conversion and human trafficking, reportedly made by members of the Bajrang Dal.

In a press release issued on Sunday, the Commission expressed deep anguish over the incident, noting that it reflects a wider and deeply disturbing trend of escalating hostility against Christians and missionary workers across various Indian states.

According to the Commission, anti-conversion laws are increasingly being misused by extremist groups, posing a grave threat to the constitutional rights of religious minorities. “This weaponisation of legislation is not only unjust but undermines the democratic fabric of our nation,” the statement noted.

Refuting the accusations of forced conversions, the Commission affirmed that Catholic missionaries serve society out of compassion, especially in the spheres of education, healthcare, and social welfare. “Our work is rooted in service to humanity, not in proselytism,” it clarified.

Citing Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the freedom to choose and practise their religion, the Commission stressed that attempts to criminalise this right amount to a direct assault on India's secular values.

The Commission has demanded that those responsible for the sisters’ arrest and the spread of false accusations be held accountable under law. It has also urged authorities to take appropriate legal and administrative steps to prevent such misuse of power in future.

Highlighting the growing number of violent incidents, harassment, and acts of vandalism against Christians in recent times, the KCBC Vigilance Commission has appealed to the Prime Minister, the Union Minister of Home Affairs, and the Union Minister of Minority Affairs to act urgently and decisively. The statement called on the Central Government to safeguard constitutional rights, uphold communal harmony, and ensure justice for all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.

“We call upon the Government to adopt firm measures to curb religious fanaticism, prevent mob violence, and ensure that India remains true to its democratic, secular, and inclusive identity,” the statement concluded.

KCBC Vigilance Commission Condemns Arrest of Nuns, Flags Growing Religious Intolerance

Latest News