India: Christians still under attack in Orissa State

Last summer, widespread and unprecedented mob violence against Christians erupted in Orissa state following the assassination of World Hindu Council leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. Although Maoists claimed responsibility for the leader’s murder, Hindu militants continue to use it as a pretext to attack Christians throughout the state and have burned over 2000 Christian homes and shops and hundreds of churches .The initial attacks lasted for weeks and left dozens dead, the majority burned alive. More than 100,000 fled their homes. Many are still unable to return and are living in tents or in relief camps.

January 07, 2010
Length: 6:56

India Information

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund
Country Information
Population
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)

Religion (%)
Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)

Leader
President Droupadi Murmu (2022)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for India
Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.