The All India Catholic Union (AICU), which represents about 16 million Catholics, has appealed to India’s government to go beyond symbolic gestures and urgently address the issue of targeted violence against Christians, which peaked during the Christmas season.

The AICU, representing the Catholic laity in 120 Diocesan units across India, said that attacks in states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh have increased, with rights groups documenting hundreds of incidents, including assaults, disruption of worship, and misuse of anti-conversion laws in 2025.

In a press release, the union said token gestures by national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such as attending Christian worship services etc., are inadequate without firm action, accountability, and legal reform.

“The violence and hate experienced by Christians in India throughout 2025, especially during the Christmas season, represent not only attacks on individuals but also on the pluralistic fabric of Indian society,” the statement said. “Addressing these challenges requires honest acknowledgment, genuine political will, and united grassroots action.”

AICU National President Er. Elias Vaz added, “As we step into 2026, the AICU, a 106-year-old organization, is speaking for common Christians in the country, and sees this as both a solemn reminder and a hopeful call to action.

“Together, through unity, education, and principled advocacy, we can strive to create an India where diversity is celebrated, and every citizen’s rights are protected against hate and discrimination.”

The AICU said that attacks in states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh have increased, with monitoring groups documenting hundreds of incidents, including assaults, disruption of worship, and the misuse of anti-conversion laws.

The union also criticized hate speech, restrictions on NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, and called for a 2026 charter to protect constitutional rights, minority welfare, and India’s secular character.

The statement said that the trauma of Christians can be gauged by the statistics compiled by United Christian Forum (UCF), which documented 706 incidents from January to November 2025. The incidents range from assaults, disruptions of worship, vandalism, and false accusations of conversions and arrests by police on false charges.

Hate speech and xenophobia from several leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national government and Sangh Parivar groups have helped create this climate of violence. Propaganda labelling Christians as outsiders has encouraged vigilante actions. Anti-conversion laws in 12 states are often misused to justify harassment, despite little proof of forced conversions, the statement said.

The union also called for an end to interference in Christian schools, such as pressure over holidays or curricula. Christians form about 2.3% of India’s population and contribute significantly to education and healthcare. The statement called for equal rights guaranteed to all citizens.

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