Christians, Muslims and minority groups in India have been the victims of growing discrimination, harassment and targeted communal violence since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was re-elected in 2019. Over the last year there has continued to be systematic violence and hate speech aimed at vulnerable groups and religious minorities, growing harassment, arbitrary arrests and the prosecution of civil society actors. Find out more at csw.org.uk/india
Sunday 11 April
Father Stan Swamy, 83, a Jesuit priest and long-time activist on tribal rights, has been imprisoned since 8 October 2020 on terrorism charges. Days before his arrest he announced that he had filed a case in the Jharkand High Court on behalf of 3,000 unjustly imprisoned young Adivasis (members of indigenous tribes). Pray for protection over his health, and for his immediate and unconditional release.
Monday 12 April
Pray that the UK government ensures that fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, are not left out of the UK’s bilateral dialogues with India.
Tuesday 13 April
Thank God for the bravery of India’s human rights defenders and ask God to give those who are currently detained, as well as those who’ve been arrested on politically motivated charges, strength and courage.
Wednesday 14 April
Pray for protection over all those in India who are facing targeted discrimination, harassment and violence because of their beliefs. Pray that they will be able to practise their religion freely.
Thursday 15 April
In November, around 100 Christians from a tribal community in Signawaram village in the state of Chhattisgarh were attacked while they slept by a mob using homemade weapons. They’d spent the previous evening organising festivities for Advent. Pray for protection over the Christian families in Chhattisgarh state.
Friday 16 April
‘My God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my saviour, the one who saves me from violence.’ 2 Samuel 22:3 (NLT) Pray this verse over all those suffering for their beliefs in India today.
Saturday 17 April
Loving Heavenly Father, we thank you for all those who are defending human rights in India. We ask that your hand of protection would be upon them and that all charges against them would be dropped. Amen.