India’s religious diversity is under threat from the spread of religious intolerance, as well as government policies and laws. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological arm of the BJP that promotes a Hindu nationalist agenda, has sought to polarise Indian society by relentlessly dividing communities on religious grounds, leaving the nation’s religious minorities unsettled about their future.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/india
Sunday 13 November
Earlier this year Yallam Shankar, a 50-year-old Christian pastor, was murdered by 50 masked men in a targeted attack. Pray Psalm 34:18 over his family and community as they come to terms with this grave injustice.
Monday 14 November
Today, India celebrates its national Children’s Day in honour of the birthday of the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Pray for the children of India who face greater levels of vulnerability and are targeted for their beliefs.
Tuesday 15 November
Pray that the appointment of India’s first president from an indigenous community, President Draupadi Murmu, would bring positive changes for all India’s indigenous communities.
Wednesday 16 November
Lord, thank you for the world leaders and policymakers who are committed to pursuing justice. We pray for India’s government today: transform their hearts to treat every individual and community with respect and to protect their right to freedom of religion or belief.
Thursday 17 November
In June, approximately 12,000 Christians took part in state-wide protests across Arunachal Pradesh. They were calling for a swift resolution to a dispute about a church’s reconstruction, which had been ongoing for years. Pray that the government of Arunachal Pradesh will act swiftly and justly to resolve this dispute.
Friday 18 November
Fourteen years after one of the most severe outbreaks of anti-Christian violence in India’s history in the Kandhamal district of Odisha state, pray for victims who are still waiting for justice. At least 90 people were killed, over 300 churches and 6,000 houses were burnt or destroyed, an unknown number of women and girls were raped, and close to 75,000 people were displaced. Many who fled have never returned, and many others are yet to receive the compensation promised to them by the government.
Saturday 19 November
Heavenly Father, we lift India to you this week. We pray your protection over all the nation’s religious minorities. We pray that those in power will respect and acknowledge the right of everyone to freedom of religion or belief. Where there is unrest, bring peace, and where there is persecution, we ask for justice. Amen.