Over 3,200 Christians express discontent over community leaders attending Modi's Christmas event

New Delhi: More than 3,200 Christians have raised objections regarding the participation of certain community figures in the Christmas celebrations organised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25.

These signatories, including individuals like Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien, retired civil servants MG Devashayam, and John Shilsi, criticised the presence of community leaders at the event.

The gathering, attended by nearly 100 Christians from various denominations, witnessed the participation of notable figures like Oswald Gracias, the Indian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, Anil Couto, the archbishop of Delhi, and Paul Swarup, the Delhi bishop of the Church of North India. Prominent personalities like athlete Anju Bobby George and actor Dino Morea were also present.

During the event, Prime Minister Modi drew parallels between his government’s policies and the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasising a shared focus on poverty eradication.

However, the group of dissenting Christians, totaling 3,200, refused to endorse this message. Their statement highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Christian community, particularly addressing alleged attacks and vilification perpetrated by members of the ruling BJP since the party came into power in 2014.

The statement raised concerns about the implementation of anti-conversion laws in BJP-ruled states, suggesting these laws impede the fundamental right to practice and propagate one’s religion. It cited instances of alleged persecution, including attacks on Christian places of worship, arrests without warrants, and the obstruction of religious celebrations in schools.

Additionally, the signatories pointed out incidents in states like Manipur, where violence between communities has persisted, purportedly with tacit support from BJP-led governments.

Expressing disappointment over the Prime Minister's event on Christmas, the statement questioned the intention behind the reception, especially when the government, under Modi’s leadership, has allegedly not condemned attacks on Christians.

The dissenters also criticised the participation of Christian representatives at the event, suggesting that their attendance implied endorsement of the government’s actions and policies towards the Christian community.

The statement underscored that the representatives’ words at the event did not reflect the sentiments of the wider Christian community and expressed dissatisfaction with their involvement in the reception amidst the reported violence and persecution faced by Christians in the country.