Council for World Mission

Orissa’s broken church

Monday, 29 September 2008 12:00

Since late August, the Christian community in Orissa has suffered attacks at the hands of Hindu extremists that have resulted in churches desecrated, thousands driven from their homes and many deaths.

Church leaders in North India have called for prayers for Christians who have come under attack in the Phulbani district of the country, after the death of a political figure.

Rev Dr Enos Pradhan, general secretary of the CWM-member Church of North India (CNI) said Christians from the region are being made scapegoats following the murder of 82-year-old VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and five of his associates.

Local press reports accused Christian and Maoist militants of carrying out the killings.

Pradhan has received reports that following the deaths, churches in the district are being burnt down, Presbyters beaten and the houses of Christian families attacked.

He has called on Home Minister Shri Shivraj Patil, and chief minister of Orissa Shri Naveen Patnaik, to provide immediate protection for the minority Christians in Phulbani district.

"Swami Laxminarayan and four of his associates were killed. We condemn the killing, but why should the innocent Christians be penalised?" Rev Pradhan said.

"As it is from December 2007 our people have been suffering with no food and shelter. We have not yet got over the pains and troubles in Jammu and Kashmir and now once again the Christians are targeted in Phulbani."