Church leaders in India slam government’s dismissal of religious freedom report
Indian church leaders are concerned following the government's rejection of the 2026 U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report. The USCIRF report urged the U.S. government to designate India as a “country of particular concern” due to systematic religious freedom violations against minorities. The report also recommended targeted sanctions against India’s external intelligence agency (RAW) and the Hindu nationalist organization RSS. India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson dismissed the report as motivated and biased, suggesting USCIRF focus on incidents against Hindu temples in the U.S. instead. A Jesuit priest criticized the Indian government's response as being in "normal denial mode" regarding the documented atrocities.
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The 2026 USCIRF annual report on 2025 conditions urges designating India a "country of particular concern" for systematic religious freedom violations.1 3
It recommends U.S. sanctions on India's RAW intelligence agency and RSS, the Hindu nationalist group.1 3
India's Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the report as "motivated and biased" on March 16.1 3
He countered by pointing to attacks on Hindu temples in the U.S. and issues facing the Indian diaspora.1 3
United Christian Forum (UCF) documented 834 incidents against Christians in 2024, up from under 140 in 2014.1 3
By November 2025, 706 incidents were recorded, prompting a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.1 3
Violence spiked during Christmas, including disruptions to services.1 3
Jesuit Father Cedric Prakash called the government's denial "normal denial mode" and affirmed USCIRF facts with evidence.1 3
UCF coordinator A.C. Michael linked RSS splinter groups to hatred against minorities.1 3
Archbishop Andrews Thazhath issued a Christmas Eve video appeal to Modi for protection of Christians.1 3
CBCI's February assembly demanded repealing anti-conversion laws violating religious freedom under Article 25.1 3
Archbishop Anil Couto addressed a convention against atrocities.1 3
Hundreds of Christians, including nuns and priests, arrested under BJP-state laws without convictions.1 3
Supreme Court quashed a case on March 16 against a youth jailed for home prayer in 2023.1 3
Michael noted laws pressured by RSS, with no court convictions to date.1 3
Past Indian leaders, including Sardar Patel and PMs Indira Gandhi and Narasimha Rao, banned RSS for violence.1 3
Prakash urged government acceptance of truths and corrective measures.1 3
Does the Catholic Church uphold the principle of religious freedom in India?
Yes, the Catholic Church unequivocally upholds the principle of religious freedom as a fundamental human right, rooted in the dignity of the person, and applies this teaching specifically to the context of India through its magisterial documents and papal interventions. This commitment is articulated in Dignitatis Humanae (DH), the Second Vatican Council's Declaration on Religious Freedom (1965), which declares that all persons have a right to immunity from coercion in religious matters, whether by individuals, groups, or government powers. The Church recognizes this right in constitutional law and calls for its effective protection, while maintaining the moral duty to seek and adhere to truth, particularly the Catholic faith. Papal teachings consistently affirm this universal principle and address India's situation, praising its constitutional safeguards while urging stronger protection amid challenges like discrimination and anti-conversion laws.
The foundation of the Church's doctrine is the inherent dignity of the human person, known through reason and divine revelation. Dignitatis Humanae states:
This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits.
This right is not subjective but grounded in human nature, enabling individuals to seek truth—especially religious truth—without external pressure. Governments bear an essential duty to protect it through just laws, foster conditions for religious life, and avoid discrimination. The declaration condemns any use of force to impose or repress religion, viewing it as a violation of God's will and human rights.
Popes have reinforced this. Pope John Paul II linked it to workers' rights, including Sunday rest for worship, as a non-negotiable human dignity. In Redemptor Hominis, he described violations of religious freedom as "radical injustice" attacking man's deepest humanity, rejecting any privileging of atheism over belief. Earlier, Pius XII decried regimes subjugating the Church to civil powers under the guise of religious freedom.
The Church explicitly upholds religious freedom in India, commending its constitution while advocating for its full realization. Pope Paul VI (1971) praised India for encouraging religions to flourish without restriction, aligning with the Church's request for "freedom to believe and to preach her faith." Pope John Paul II repeatedly echoed Dignitatis Humanae in addresses to Indian ambassadors and bishops:
It is the teaching of the Church that the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion... so that no one is forced to act against his convictions or is prevented from acting in accordance with his convictions in religious matters.
He noted India's preamble assuring "liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship," calling it a duty for all, especially religious leaders, to uphold the right to "profess, practise and propagate religion." In 2000, he hoped for sustained harmony amid tensions, rejecting violence in religion's name. By 2003, addressing Indian bishops, he criticized "unjust anti-conversion laws" prohibiting free exercise of religious freedom and urged dialogue with authorities to protect rights. Similar affirmations appear in 1982 and 1994 addresses, emphasizing religious freedom as essential for human development and India's spiritual patrimony.
These teachings align with Dignitatis Humanae's call for religious freedom's constitutional guarantee amid growing global unity. Pope Leo XIV (2026) highlighted ongoing global persecution affecting 380 million Christians, underscoring religious freedom as a right, not a privilege—though not naming India directly, this context applies to regions like South Asia.
While upholding the principle, the Church acknowledges threats in India, such as Hindu fundamentalist pressures, violence, and laws hindering conversions or support for Christian converts. Dignitatis Humanae greets progress in religious freedom as a "sign of the times" but deplores governments deterring faith practice. Popes exhort Catholics and all people to defend it, promoting interreligious dialogue, evangelization, and cooperation for peace. The Church in India continues its mission courageously, as exemplified by St. Francis Xavier.
Church statistics reflect its global commitment, with data on Catholics in India amid mission efforts, though not quantifying freedom directly.
The Catholic Church steadfastly upholds religious freedom in India, as in all nations, grounding it in human dignity and revelation while calling for its robust legal and practical defense. Papal teachings celebrate India's traditions but insist on overcoming violations to foster harmony and evangelization. This nuanced stance balances rights with the duty to truth, urging all toward the "glorious freedom of the sons of God."