A 50-year-old Christian pastor was murdered by a group of around 50 masked men in the state of Chhattisgarh in March. Yallam Shankar had received several threats to his life in the past, which included demands that he abandon Christianity and accept Hinduism.
India is becoming more and more repressive towards religious minorities. Violence, discrimination and harassment are a regular occurrence, perpetuated by impunity that allows injustice to increase.
Abuses of freedom of religion or belief rarely occur in isolation. Injustices such as deceitfully accusing someone of forcing people to convert or spreading disinformation about the activities of religious minorities often find their root in religious intolerance, with examples of this seen across India.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/india
This week, join us in praying for India, inspired by the words of Isaiah 53.
‘He was despised and rejected by mankind.’
Lord, as you walked the earth, you knew what it was to be rejected and scorned, even by those closest to you. We lift to you those in India who have been rejected and scorned because of their religion, and those who have lost their families, their friends or their livelihoods because of their beliefs. Holy Spirit, comfort those who are mourning for what is lost.
‘A man of suffering, familiar with pain.’
As we recognise and reflect on the pain endured by religious minorities in India, we remember that you too are familiar with pain. A man of sorrows, who is not separate or far away from our grief and pain. Draw those who feel far from you near to you - may they know your peace and kindness.
‘Surely he took up our pain, and bore our suffering.’
Lord, as you came to deliver us from sin and evil, we lift India to you. We pray against the prevailing attitude of intolerance. Expose the injustice that grieves your heart, and raise up leaders of peace and democracy, we pray.
‘...the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.’
Lord, where there are wounds in India and in the hearts of those who love you, we pray that you will bring restoration: From Punjab to Kerala, may your Kingdom reign. Amen.