Two Christian meetings were attacked by Hindu militants in India in recent weeks. On April 9, a mob of more than 100 attacked an open-air Christian worship meeting in Bhajanpura, East Delhi. The Christians had received permission from government officials to conduct the meeting, and five police officers were present. Shortly after the meeting began, militants armed with clubs and stones arrived on scene. They beat several Christians, including the pastor. The five policemen were also severely beaten. Two believers sustained head injuries. The militants destroyed furniture, a sound system, a generator and a Christian's vehicle. The attack lasted for about an hour before police reinforcements arrived and the attackers fled. At last report, two of the assailants had been arrested.
On April 10, a pastor and other members of the New India Church in Mysore, Karnataka were attacked. Pastor Vinod Chacko was leading a prayer service when approximately 25 militants arrived on scene, accusing the believers of forcible conversion. They detained the worshippers inside the church building. The believers were asked to provide personal information and questioned about being lured to attend the service by the offer of money or other means. Police later charged Pastor Vinod, his wife, Asha, and three other Christians with "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings."
Pray for healing for those injured in these attacks. Pray authorities will act justly and with integrity in reaction to these incidents. Pray Christians in India will continue to give themselves fully to the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Pray for an end to violence against followers of Christ in India.
To learn more about the ongoing opposition of believers in India, go to the India Country Report.
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