- 12 October, 2025
Ranchi, October 12, 2025: Amid increasing hostility against minorities, the Catholic Religious of India (CRI), Ranchi Unit, held a gathering to deliberate on “Anti-Conversion Law: Impact and Response.”
The meeting, convened on October 11 at Manresa, the Motherhouse of the Ranchi Jesuit Province, brought together 115 priests, nuns, scholastics, and novices from various congregations, including the Jesuits, Ursulines, Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary (SCJM), St. Anne’s, and the Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles (SRA).
Jesuit Father Justine Tirkey, president of CRI Ranchi and director of the Satya Bharati Centre for Religious Literature and Culture, organised the event in response to the growing number of atrocities against Christians and other minorities.
In his opening remarks, Fr Tirkey called for “greater legal awareness and a renewed pastoral commitment to love, justice, peace, and solidarity with marginalised communities.”
The keynote address was delivered by Advocate Sister Sujata Jena of the Sacred Hearts Congregation, a noted human rights activist. Drawing on her experience of legal interventions in Odisha and other states, Sr Jena highlighted the misuse of anti-conversion laws.
She explained that twelve Indian states have enacted such legislation—Odisha being the first in 1967 and Rajasthan the most recent—but “not a single person has been convicted so far, though countless have been harassed, arrested, or even killed on false charges.”
Pointing out the reversal of the burden of proof, she said, “Under these laws, the accused must prove their innocence. It violates the fundamental principle of being innocent until proven guilty.”
Sr. Jena recounted disturbing cases where prayer gatherings were disrupted, worshippers beaten, and police arrested victims instead of perpetrators. “Even funerals aren’t spared,” she said. “In some cases, mobs have exhumed bodies and conducted so-called ‘reconversions.’ It’s inhuman—but it’s happening.”
She further questioned the intent behind such laws: “They claim to protect Dalits and Adivasis, but in truth, they deny them the right to choose their faith and suppress their freedom to choose their faith. Conversion, for many, is a political act of dignity and resistance—just as Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s was.”
Decrying the growing apathy among religious and lay people, Sr. Jena said, “We have developed the ability to witness immense suffering and simply turn away. Our silence is complicity.”
During the open discussion, participants expressed both gratitude and resolve. “Your clarity and courage give us hope,” one sister said. “We now understand that defending the Constitution and standing with the oppressed is part of our faith.”
In its final resolution, the assembly pledged to “stand in solidarity with all who are oppressed—Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, Christians, women, and the poor—with equal commitment and compassion.”
The Way Forward
• Stand in universal solidarity with all marginalised and oppressed communities.
• Reclaim the Constitution by living its spirit of equality, liberty, dignity, justice, and fraternity.
• Establish Samvidhan Kendras or Gandhi–Ambedkar Centres for youth dialogue and action.
• Empower grassroots defenders through legal awareness and responsible reporting.
• Advocate for policy changes that protect minorities and human rights.
• Safeguard equitable access to land, livelihood, and justice.
• Integrate ethics and civic education into learning spaces.
• Follow Ambedkar’s call to Educate, Agitate, Organise for peace, justice, and fraternity.
Jharkhand, home to a vibrant tribal Christian population, saw the Ranchi Church reaffirm its deep-rooted commitment to the Gospel values of justice, equality, and solidarity through this gathering.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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