Since the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in 2014, there continues to be reports of increased intolerance and violence targeted against religious minorities and the founding democratic principles of India. With baseless accusations initiated under the anti-conversion laws, and minority faith groups have come under increased pressure. At the same time, ghar wapsi (homecoming) ceremonies have become increasingly frequent, leaving minority communities very vulnerable. Hindu nationalist groups use these ceremonies as a means of humiliating Christians and Muslims and pressuring them to convert to Hinduism, though they claim they are simply helping people return to their original faith. Find out more at csw.org.uk/india
Sunday 5 September
It has been 13 years since the targeted violence in Kandhamal happened. Many families have been internally displaced, without livelihood and still await justice to be done for them. Pray for these Christian families who have had no closure to what happened, particularly in getting justice and proper compensation for their loss.
Monday 6 September
Pray against oppression by the State, which has had a negative impact on human rights safeguards. Non governmental organisations, human rights activists, lawyers, jounralists, and a wide range of civil society groups have come under increased pressure of incarcetation in prison for speaking up against human rights violations or questioning government policies.
Tuesday 7 September
Pray for regional security and peace in India, so that measures that are taken by the Indian government to respond to the challenges of terrorism in ther region, since the take over by the Taliban in Afghanisatn will not have negative implications on religious minorities in India, particulary the Muslim community and that the government will respond justly to hate crimes against the Muslim community in India.
Wednesday 8 September
Pray for complete healing for Pastor Ram Niwas and his wife Pinky who were severely injured during an attack on 22 April. Pastor Niwas’s four brothers and another villager, supporters of a militant Hindu nationalist organisation, broke into the couple’s home while they were praying and beat them with sticks.
Thursday 9 September
In the print edition of the Prayer Diary, we asked you to pray for the release of Father Stan Swamy, an 84-year-old Jesuit priest who was detained on 9 October 2020. He stood accused of terrorism, although in reality he was targeted for his human rights activism. Sadly, Father Swamy contracted COVID-19 in June and passed away as a result of cardiac arrest on 5 July, while still in judicial custody. Pray today that his life would inspire many more people to stand up for justice in India.
Friday 10 September
On 8 March a mob of about 70 people interrupted a private prayer meeting in Chhattisgarh state, where 30 Christians had gathered to pray. The mob verbally abused and assaulted the Christians and burned their Bibles. Pray for mental and emotional healing for those who attended the meeting.
Saturday 11 September
Lord Jesus Christ, bring healing to the nation of India today; healing from the deadly coronavirus, and healing from the division and hatred which causes some to target those who don’t share their beliefs. Fill the land with peace and harmony today, we pray. Amen.