Religious minority representatives and human rights advocates in Karnataka, India, have called on the state government to repeal the 2022 anti-conversion law. In a joint statement, signatories including Archbishop Peter Machado and Mohammed Yahya Damudi argued the legislation violates constitutional freedom of conscience. They also urged the government to address hate speech and review other controversial policies affecting marginalized communities. The groups emphasized that repealing the act would restore confidence in fundamental rights and uphold the state's tradition of diversity. They requested concrete legislative action to ensure equality and dignity for all residents.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by SHIRAZ HENRY on UnsplashPersecuted church
In a city in India, Dominic F. Dixon accepted the International Human Rights Award from the World Human Rights Research Council. He dedicated the honor to Father Stan Swamy, an 84-year-old Jesuit priest and human rights defender who died in Indian custody in July 2021. Swamy was arrested in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act regarding the Bhima Koregaon case. Despite severe health issues, including Parkinson's disease, he remained detained until his death. Dixon stated the award highlights the need to support vulnerable communities whose voices are often ignored. The recognition serves as a tribute to Swamy's lifelong advocacy for Adivasi and marginalized groups in India.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Praswin Prakashan on UnsplashPersecuted church
A Christian family in a village in West Bengal, India, was attacked, leaving a woman unconscious. The incident sparked claims that police delayed their response for over an hour. The family, associated with a local church, alleges that attackers from a Hindu organization forced entry and beat them. This assault follows earlier threats demanding the family convert to Hinduism and abandon their faith. Police have visited the site and assisted with medical exams, but no arrests have been made. The family is currently seeking legal action as tensions remain high in the region.
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Illustrative photo, not from the original report · Photo by Bibi Zuhra on UnsplashGood news
Thousands of Catholics gathered in a city in Pakistan for a major Marian feast focused on spiritual renewal and youth empowerment. The event, themed around Our Lady of Perpetual Help, included processions, cultural performances, and healing prayers to foster unity among believers. A senior church leader presided over the climax mass, emphasizing the importance of investing in young people's education and moral formation. A key highlight was the confirmation of hundreds of youths. The gathering aimed to strengthen faith and community bonds across the country, highlighting the resilience of the local Christian community despite broader challenges.
A senior Congress leader wrote to the Indian Home Minister demanding strict action against those who attacked three Christian families in a village in West Bengal. The letter alleges that members of a Hindu nationalist group assaulted the victims and forced them into a public purification ritual during Durga Puja celebrations. The leader cited constitutional violations and claimed at least 60 similar attacks occurred in the state recently. He requested immediate arrests and justice for the families, who faced threats and violence. Copies of the appeal were also sent to the West Bengal Chief Minister.
A major Christian organization in India has urged the parliamentary committee to withdraw the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act Amendment Bill 2026. The group argues that the legislation would allow the government to seize charitable assets based solely on foreign funding origins, even without proven violations. The council warns this could disrupt essential services like schools, hospitals, and shelters. They contend the bill violates constitutional rights and international covenants. The organization recommends a proportionate regulatory approach and judicial review before asset transfers to protect public institutions and their beneficiaries across the country.
In Kerala, India, a religious congregation operates a special education school for students with hearing impairments. The principal and staff provide specialized instruction, vocational training, and counseling to help families cope with diagnoses. Originally established by a local community group, the institution now educates students from kindergarten through high school. According to the nuns and parents, the ministry focuses on empowering families and ensuring students achieve academic success and employment. The school reports a high pass rate and offers community support programs for parents across the region, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive education and family welfare in the area.
A fact-finding team led by a Trinamool Congress MP visited a region in West Bengal to investigate alleged attacks on Christian communities. The delegation reported incidents including threats against families in a village and vandalism at a retreat center near a city. The group claims these actions were carried out by members of a specific organization to force conversions. The team also met with a senior church leader, who expressed concern over rising hostility. Reports indicate that Christians face intimidation, social boycotts, and obstacles in accessing civic rights. The team described these developments as a threat to the region's pluralistic heritage and called for protection of religious freedom.
Approximately 2,000 Hindus and Muslims attended the inauguration of a new church in a village near a major city in India. The event emphasized communal harmony, with neighbors contributing financially and through labor to the construction. A parish priest noted that sharing meals with the multi-religious community fosters peaceful coexistence. A bishop described the church as a historic symbol of harmony in the coastal region. The project, costing over 60 million rupees, received support from the state government and donations from people of all faiths, reinforcing long-standing traditions of inter-religious cooperation in the area.
A diocese in northeastern India marked the 100th World Mission Sunday with celebrations led by a bishop urging renewed evangelization commitment. Communities across various districts organized prayers, rosaries, and fundraising events like food festivals. Parish priests and catechists emphasized that every baptized Christian shares the responsibility to support missionaries. These initiatives aimed to deepen understanding of the Church’s missionary mandate and encourage solidarity with global evangelization efforts, fostering a spirit of shared mission among believers in the region.
A Santali Bible Convention in a village in West Bengal, India, was disrupted amid allegations of assault and forced conversion. Local Catholic representatives stated that a crowd gathered near the site, leading to verbal abuse and physical confrontations. Police intervened to restore order. The organizers, who are Santali-speaking Catholics, denied the conversion claims, describing the event as a pre-announced religious gathering. Meanwhile, a Hindu group organized a counter-protest, escalating tensions. Church officials have filed a complaint and requested police protection for the remaining days of the convention. Authorities are investigating the incident to ensure communal harmony and lawful resolution.
An archbishop addressed an ecumenical prayer meeting in a city in northern India, organized by local Christian pastors. The event drew hundreds of participants who gathered to pray for peace, reconciliation, and constitutional values. The speaker urged Christians to become credible witnesses by practicing Gospel values like love and unity. He referenced historical views that Christians must consistently live out their faith to inspire the nation. Another clergy member also addressed the crowd, calling for justice and dignity for all citizens. The gathering highlighted the need for internal transformation within the church to serve as a positive example to society, emphasizing that faith must be visibly lived out in daily life.
In a village in Kerala, India, an Orthodox Christian priest hosted Hindu funeral rites for an elderly Hindu woman who had cared for his family for over two decades. The priest arranged the Vedic chants and rituals at his home, honoring the woman’s lifelong faith. This gesture has drawn widespread praise on social media as an example of communal harmony and interfaith respect in the region. The act highlights deep personal bonds that transcend religious boundaries, fostering goodwill and understanding among neighbors in the local community.
A civil society coalition submitted a memorandum to the Joint Parliamentary Committee in India, opposing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill. The group argues that automatic asset vesting upon FCRA certificate cessation could seize properties of charitable institutions, minority schools, and places of worship, even without proven fraud. They warn that separating assets funded partly by foreign and partly by domestic sources is practically difficult. The coalition recommends deleting permanent vesting clauses, ensuring judicial oversight, and protecting constitutional rights to prevent disproportionate seizures by the government.
A Christian couple in a district of West Bengal, India, alleges three days of violent attacks and coercion to renounce their faith. The victims claim a mob stormed their home in a local village, demanding they convert to Sanatan Hinduism. The family reports physical assaults, abuse, and attempts to force them to disown their children. One victim filed a complaint at a local police outpost, seeking legal action under national laws and emergency police protection. Local authorities have initiated an investigation and increased vigilance. The incident highlights concerns regarding religious intolerance and minority rights in the region.
A newly formed national federation of churches in India convened its first meeting at a health academy in a major city. Approximately 45 religious leaders, including Cardinals and Bishops, attended alongside an ecumenical fellowship. The federation’s chairman described the group as a divine gift for unity amid serious challenges. An archbishop urged members to respond to recent legislative amendments by submitting memoranda to parliamentary committees. The gathering also addressed legal issues, including anti-conversion bills and rights for Dalit Christians. A core group was established to guide the federation’s future activities. This development highlights ongoing efforts to navigate complex legal and social landscapes for Christian communities in the region.
A Christian council in West Bengal has expressed deep concern over escalating violence against believers. The group reports at least 26 incidents in three months, including church vandalism and physical attacks. Despite multiple police complaints, authorities have remained silent, and perpetrators face little action. The council alleges that political figures rationalize these acts as public protests, potentially paving the way for new anti-conversion laws. Church leaders stated that the community feels vulnerable due to systematic harassment and false narratives. They urge the state government to hold hearings and ensure equal protection under the law for the Christian minority.
A delegation of Christian leaders, including Archbishop Peter Machado, met with All-India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge in a city in Karnataka. The group urged the party to address issues affecting Christians in the region. They demanded the repeal of the state's anti-conversion law, arguing it infringes on religious freedom. The delegation also sought a reserved seat in the Legislative Council, one percent reservation for backward classes, and greater representation on government boards. Kharge listened to the concerns and promised to raise the matters with state leaders. The meeting highlights ongoing debates regarding minority rights and constitutional freedoms in the region.
Communal miscreants attacked a house church in a village in West Bengal, assaulting women and abducting several individuals for nearly ninety minutes. A Christian organization reported the incident, and police secured the victims' release. A First Information Report was registered with legal assistance. This is the second major attack in the area recently, prompting fears of systematic intimidation. A state church leader criticized the government's silence, suggesting political patronage for the perpetrators. The event highlights growing vulnerability for minorities in the region.
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