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Under India’s current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Hindu nationalism is on the rise, leading to an increase in violence against religious minorities. This week, were also remembering the victims and survivors of the worst outbreak of anti-Christian violence which took place in August 2008.

In April, CSW received reports that a church in Karanji village, Chhattisgarh State, was attacked and their pastor, Pastor Deenanath, was doused in petrol alongside his wife. Today, please pray for Karanji Village, and Pastor Deenanath and his wife as they recover from this attack.

The attack in Karanji village is, sadly, not an isolated incident. Christians in Chhattisgarh State often face attacks and discrimination, so please join us in praying for them today.

Today, we’re praying for our advocacy team who work across South Asia. It’s a huge region with many different concerns, and we’re so grateful to have such a passionate and dedicated team. Pray for wisdom and guidance for them today.

Eight years ago in Kandhamal, Odisha state we saw the worst outbreak of anti-Christian violence in post-Independence India. Over 100 people were killed and 54,000 forced out of their homes, many of which were destroyed. Many survivors are still waiting for justice – let’s pray for them today.

Next month marks the anniversary of violence against Muslims by Hindus in Uttar Pradesh state in 2013. At least 39 people were killed and around 25,000 displaced, most of them Muslims. To date, nobody has been held to account for this. Today, let’s pray for justice for the survivors.

Next month also marks the anniversary of the death of Mohammad Akhlaq Saifi, who was lynched by a mob in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh for allegedly consuming beef meat. These kinds of attacks based on accusations of eating beef are becoming more common in India – let’s pray today that they would come to an end.

Dear Lord, we bring the nation of India to you in prayer. We thank you for its diversity and vibrancy. We pray that this diversity would be characterised by peace rather than division, so that India would become a nation that is safe for people of all faiths. Amen.