The article, “Indian Christians Facing Rising Persecution Look to America for Help,” by Nathan Worcester via The Epoch Times, highlights the escalating persecution faced by Christians in northern India. The situation has worsened over time, with pastors being jailed and parishioners living in fear of worshiping in public. The article emphasizes the rise in violence against Christians, documented by organizations like the United Christian Forum and Genocide Watch.
The influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in perpetuating this persecution is also discussed. The article mentions the lack of government intervention to protect the Christian community in India. Some Indian Christians and observers hope that President Donald Trump will take action to address the situation.
The article also delves into the challenges faced by Christian organizations operating in India, such as Compassion International and the Missionaries of Charity. The crackdown on foreign funding for these organizations has had a detrimental impact on the ability of smaller Christian groups to operate freely in the country. Additionally, laws against forced conversion have led to the imprisonment of Christians accused of coercing individuals into converting to Christianity.
The article concludes with a mention of the surveillance and intimidation tactics employed by groups like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, leading to a climate of fear among Christians in India. The recent attacks on Christmas celebrations in 2025 further underscore the challenges faced by the Christian community in the country. The fear of celebrating Christmas openly among Christians in India has escalated, with reports of restricted Christmas services in various parts of northern India. The year 2025 witnessed a surge in targeted attacks against religious minorities during the festive season, which continued into the new year. Despite Prime Minister Modi attending a Christmas service at New Delhi’s Cathedral Church of the Redemption, Indian Christians remain skeptical of the government’s sincerity, attributing such gestures to electoral motives rather than genuine concern.
The lack of official condemnation from political authorities towards these attacks has been distressing for the community, although a recent judicial ruling on a conversion law in Uttar Pradesh brought some relief. In December 2025, the Allahabad High Court ruled that preaching Christianity and distributing Bibles do not violate the forced conversion statute in the state. This decision was welcomed as positive news by Indian Christians, although many are unaware of it.
The growing persecution faced by Indian Christians has prompted American political leaders to take notice. Rep. Glenn Grothman and U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom leaders urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to designate India as a Country of Particular Concern due to its controversial conversion laws and ensuing violence. The U.S. State Department’s 2023 report highlighted Christians’ concerns about these laws and the harassment they face. Additionally, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom conducted a forum on religious freedom in India in the same year.
The plight of Indian Christians facing rising persecution underscores the need for international attention and support. The community looks towards America for assistance in addressing these challenges and safeguarding their religious freedom.