Though India’s constitution includes protections for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, the reality is that many religious minorities in India are subject to daily harassment and violence, against a backdrop of rising Hindu nationalism. The Christian minority in particular is experiencing an uncertain and frightening future in which their fundamental rights to worship, observe, practise and teach their religion or belief are under threat.

Sunday 26 May

Seven Christians from Kanyakumari District were verbally abused and physically attacked while distributing gospel tracts to local people. They were reportedly approached by a group of young Hindu men who told them that if they returned to the area they would be killed. They then had sacred ash and saffron powder (two ritual substances important for blessings in the Hindu religion) forcibly applied to their foreheads. Pray that God would protect them from any further attacks.

Monday 27 May

Today, please ask God to bless the work of human rights activist Tejaswi Ravinder, who told us that India needs leaders who will understand and protect religious rights.

Tuesday 28 May

Churches in the state of Uttar Pradesh are beginning to see law enforcement interrupt Sunday services on a regular basis. Over the last 24 months, this has escalated to a larger number of churches and is occurring more frequently. Pray for the protection of these churches, and that these interruptions would cease.

Wednesday 29 May

In one example, Pastor Sunil from Good Shepherd Church was dragged out of the building by Hindu hardliners during a Sunday service and verbally and physically abused until the police arrived. Pray that Pastor Sunil would recover from his ordeal, and that Good Shepherd Church will be able to conduct future services in peace.

Thursday 30 May

On 13 January, the police blockaded Parisutham Zion Deva Shaba church in Tamil Nadu in order to prevent the Sunday service from happening. When the church’s leader, Pastor Jenson, attempted to file a complaint, he was verbally abused by the Superintendent Inspector. Thankfully, local groups intervened and the police did allow Pastor Jenson to file his case, which is currently being heard at the local High Court. Pray that the prayer meetings and Sunday services can continue, and that justice will be done.

Friday 31 May

At times, the authorities will side with the perpetrators of religious freedom violations, making it difficult for the survivors to receive help quickly or even at all. Survivors of communal violence in Gujarat in 2001 and Kandhamal in 2008 have yet to receive any kind of justice. Civil rights activist and writer John Dayal told us ‘The state has seen one hundred or more cases of violence against Christians at prayer meetings or in churches and institutions. Police are either complicit or unconcerned.’ Today, pray that the police and other authorities would act with justice and mercy.

Saturday 1 June

Loving Heavenly Father, we lift each person named on this page to you, along with those we haven’t named, and ask that you would protect them from further attacks. Give them the courage to stand strong against violence and harassment, and help them to lay their fears at your feet. Amen.