Though India officially guarantees religious freedom for all its citizens, the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought with it a rise in Hindu nationalism that sees Hinduism as the only true religion of India. Add to this vaguely defined anti-conversion laws that can be used to punish religious minorities, and a climate of increasing danger for human rights defenders, and we have a situation that desperately needs your prayers.
- Sunday 14 May
Today, please pray for Pastor Jacob Joseph who was leading a Sunday service when his church was attacked by a mob. On the evening of the same day a mob attacked the pastor’s house while he was hosting some church members. The police have ordered the pastor not to conduct church services in the area.
- Monday 15 May
In December we asked you to pray for Pastor Santosh and his wife Nilima, who were stopped while carolling and harassed by four men who are believed to belong to a Hindu fundamentalist movement. Give thanks that they remain safe.
- Tuesday 16 May
Today, join us in asking God to grant energy and protection to John Dayal, one of India’s most prominent voices supporting human rights – especially the rights of religious minorities.
- Wednesday 17 May
In India, faith and caste (social class) are closely linked. This means that if someone who is a Dalit (one of the castes that receives special provision from the state) converts to Islam or Christianity they lose their protected status. Pray that this law would be repealed or amended soon.
- Thursday 18 May
Today, please pray for Dr K.A. Swami, who was harassed by Hindu fundamentalist groups for sharing the New Testament and, shortly afterwards, interrogated at a police station for an entire day. Sources say that he suffered severe injuries soon after he came out of interrogation, and at the time of writing, he’s still on a ventilator. Pray for his recovery today.
- Friday 19 May
Since the election of Prime Minister Modi in May 2014, an increase in Hindu nationalism has led to cases of religiously-motivated violence that often go unpunished. Please pray for Christians and Muslims in the face of this rising threat today.
- Saturday 20 May
Lord, today we lift India to you in prayer. Stem the rising tide of Hindu nationalism, we pray, and protect those who are at risk simply because of their faith. We pray that you will move powerfully in India and spread peace and justice for all its citizens. Amen.