Catholic bishops urge newly elected state governments to uphold equality and justice, calling for inclusive policies amid rising anti-Christian incidents.
Newsroom (07/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Indian Catholic bishops have called on newly elected governments in four states and a federally administered territory to pursue inclusive policies grounded in the Constitution, warning that rising persecution of Christians in parts of the country has intensified fears among religious minorities.
The appeal was issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) on May 6, two days after election results were announced in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the federally administered territory of Puducherry, as well as in Assam and West Bengal.
In a statement signed by Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad, president of the CBCI—representing Catholic bishops across India’s three rites—the bishops urged “incoming governments to govern with transparency and prioritize inclusive policies” consistent with constitutional ideals of equality and justice.
“Preferentially” uplift the poor, marginalized, and minorities
The bishops said the new administrations should work “preferentially towards the uplift of the poor, the marginalized, the less advantaged, and minority communities,” arguing that social and national progress must reach those most at risk of exclusion.
“True nation development is achieved only when the fruits of progress reach the most vulnerable sections of our society,” the bishops said, stressing that inclusive governance is not optional but central to meaningful development.
The appeal also urged governments to “work hand-in-hand with institutions in the country to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable India.”
Church vows collaboration through education and welfare institutions
Cardinal Poola congratulated the parties that won the elections and said the Indian Church reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment” to collaborate with government bodies toward continuous nation-building.
In the bishops’ letter, the CBCI pointed to the church’s broader public-service role, describing an enduring dedication to advancing the collective good, peace, and prosperity for all citizens through “educational, medical, and social welfare institutions.”
Concerns sharpen as anti-Christian incidents reportedly rise
The CBCI’s appeal comes amid public concerns raised by Christian leaders about a rise in anti-Christian incidents in several parts of India.
According to the bishops’ statement, Hindu groups that support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are accused of engineering such incidents. These accusations are tied to opposition to Christian missionary activities, which some groups describe as part of a push to shape India into a nation aligned with Hindu hegemony.
Father Babu Joseph, a former spokesperson for the conference, said governments at both federal and state levels are constitutionally required to protect India’s “fragile social fabric” by ensuring that no segment of society is treated unfairly.
“It’s most unfortunate that religious affiliation in India has become a highly contested issue and that it is more often than not pushed to the center stage, in season and out of season,” Father Babu Joseph told UCA News on May 7.
He added that this dynamic has created “disquiet among several sections of Indian society, especially among religious minorities, including Christians.”
2025 data cited: more than 700 incidents
The statement cites figures indicating the scale of recent concern. Over 700 incidents of attacks against Christians were recorded in 2025 alone, based on data released by the United Christian Forum, a New Delhi-based ecumenical body that records persecution against Christians.
The CBCI’s call for inclusive governance is framed against this backdrop, presenting the issue as part of a broader responsibility to uphold constitutional principles and ensure social harmony.
Election results and political landscape referenced in the bishops’ appeal
The bishops’ appeal followed the recent election outcomes across the specified regions:
- The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, won in Assam and West Bengal.
- The Congress party swept the polls in Kerala.
- In Tamil Nadu, a regional party formed two years ago emerged as the largest political force.
- Puducherry, administered federally, also saw results announced within the same period.
The CBCI positioned its message as an inclusive and constitutional mandate addressed to all incoming administrations—regardless of party—urging them to prioritize transparency, equality, justice, and the protection of minority communities.
Christian minority context
Christians constitute 2.3 percent of India’s population of more than 1.4 billion people, while Hindus make up 80 percent, a demographic context referenced in the discussion of minority concerns and social tensions.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
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