‘The problem in India today is that people have adopted the creed of hate very willingly and we see the predominance of intolerance, hate and prejudice in the common sphere of life.’ – author and activist Tushar Gandhi

There has been a notable shift in public discourse in India under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, which has failed to investigate attacks by Hindu nationalist groups. An uptick in hate crimes and hostility towards religious minorities has been accompanied by inflammatory statements by senior government figures; for example, one official publicly called for the forced sterilisation of Muslims and Christians.

The Indian government has largely remained silent – and in some cases is complicit in these violations.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/india

Sunday 26 March

CSW receives regular reports of mob violence targeting church services and private prayer meetings. As Christians gather across India today, ask God to shield them and to frustrate the plans of those who seek to do them harm.

Monday 27 March

Pray for justice in the case of an independent Christian evangelist who was burnt to death by his family and local villagers in August; they disapproved of his conversion to Christianity. Police refused to intervene because they claimed the issue was a family matter.

Tuesday 28 March

Psalm 121:7-8 says: ‘The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.’ Claim these truths for Christians and other vulnerable communities in India.

Wednesday 29 March

Dalits who convert to Christianity and Islam find themselves excluded from government benefits that were intended to uplift the Dalit community (previously known as ‘untouchables’). Give thanks that the Indian government has formed a commission to address this issue. Pray for action to ensure that no one is denied support because of their faith.

Thursday 30 March

Just over a year has passed since Yallam Shankar, a 50-year-old Christian pastor, was murdered by a mob of around 50 masked men. Pastor Shankar had received several threats to his life in the past, including demands that he abandon Christianity. Ask God to comfort his family today.

Friday 31 March

India’s religious tensions spilled into the UK in September, as Hindus and Muslims clashed in the streets of Leicester and tensions also simmered in Birmingham. Pray for lasting peace between religious communities in India, as well as in the diaspora.

Saturday 1 April

Dear God, we know your heart breaks to see this nation, which was founded on democratic principles, slide further and further into intolerance and impunity. Please reverse India’s current trajectory and mould it into a nation of peace, justice, equality and interfaith harmony. Amen.

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