The 2024 United Christian Forum (UCF) report has sounded an alarm, warning of a dire situation for the Christian community in India. If immediate measures are not taken through political will and government intervention, the report warns, the community could face an existential crisis in their homeland well before 2050.
The statistics reflect a troubling trend, with reported attacks against Christians surging from 127 in 2014 to 834 by December 2024. According to UCF officials, the states of Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have emerged as epicenters of hostility, marked by rampant mob violence, hate campaigns, and social ostracization. Disturbingly, the report suggests that elements within the law enforcement and judicial systems are complicit in this growing wave of violence.
“These numbers only scratch the surface,” said UCF representatives, referring to the 209 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh and 165 in Chhattisgarh in 2024. Many incidents go unreported, as victims fear retaliation in an environment of impunity and political favoritism. Across the country, the true number of such crimes could be three to ten times higher than what is officially recorded.
The UCF report highlights a pervasive atmosphere of fear among Christians. This fear stems from cultural policing that dictates who qualifies as a true Indian or loyal citizen, often targeting those deemed outsiders. Christians are increasingly isolated and victimized under this framework. Innocent pastors, their families, and even children have been imprisoned, with over a hundred individuals still languishing in jail. Bail is frequently denied, and the slow judicial process itself has become a form of punishment.
“This is a crisis unfolding before our eyes,” warns the UCF. The report raises concerns about India’s global reputation as a democracy that upholds the rule of law and guarantees individual rights. “The Christian community, which has long been a peaceful and integral part of India’s diverse society, is now living in fear,” said Dr. Michael Williams, President of UCF. He emphasized that the rising attacks are not just statistics but represent real human suffering, with families and communities being torn apart.
The situation worsened during the Christmas season of 2024, which witnessed a spike in violence. Fourteen separate attacks targeted Christian gatherings during this period, adding to the community’s distress. In response to this escalation, over 400 senior Christian leaders and 30 Church groups submitted an appeal to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 31, 2024. Their letter urged the nation’s leadership to act decisively to halt the persecution of Christians.
The UCF’s annual report documented 834 incidents of violence in 2024. However, only 392 of these complaints were registered as First Information Reports (FIRs). This discrepancy is attributed to the discretion granted to police officers, who determine whether a complaint merits an FIR for further investigation and trial.
The data paints a grim picture of the toll these incidents have taken on vulnerable groups within the Christian community. Women, Dalits, and Tribals have been disproportionately affected, with 154 women, 342 Dalits, and 354 Tribals recorded as victims of these attacks.
A closer analysis of the violence reveals the following breakdown:
- 149 physical assaults
- 209 cases of property damage
- 798 incidents involving intimidation, threats, and harassment
- 331 instances where religious assemblies were disrupted
The UCF calls for greater transparency in the enforcement of laws designed to protect religious freedom and minority rights. “Only through transparent and unbiased investigations, followed by fair trials, can accountability be ensured,” the organization stated. The demand underscores the need for integrity in law enforcement and the judicial process to counter the current climate of impunity.
As the situation stands, the Christian community faces a precarious future in India. While outreach efforts by the government, including interactions with Christian leaders in Kerala, New Delhi, and other regions, are noted, the UCF insists that these gestures must translate into concrete actions to protect a community that has contributed peacefully to India’s rich cultural fabric.
The report concludes by urging all stakeholders to recognize the brewing crisis and act decisively to prevent further deterioration. The stakes are high, not just for the Christian community but for the values of pluralism and democracy that India represents on the global stage.