Thiruanathpuram (Kerala) [India], September 17 (ANI): The Syro-Malabar Church on Wednesday strongly responded to an article by the RSS-affiliated Malayalam publication Kesari, which alleged secret religious conversions following the arrest of nuns in Chhattisgarh. The Church posted on Facebook with an image reading “Stop Hindu Fascism,” accusing the article of spreading falsehoods, historical distortions, and deliberately inciting communal tension.
“Kesari, the mouthpiece of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Kerala, continues its role of justifying and whitewashing the ideological positions of the RSS, regardless of the impact on communal harmony or truth,” the Church said. It added that the publication’s claims are crafted to sow division, distrust, and disharmony, particularly targeting Christians in India.
The Church expressed concern over increasing attacks on Christian gatherings, churches, and prayer meetings, stating that such actions threaten India’s constitutional secularism. “The growing restrictions on Christian gatherings, churches, and prayer meetings, not to mention the violence against pastors and lay believers, send a clear message to the world: India’s constitutional secularism is under siege,” it said.
The Church further questioned the ethical and legal basis for denying minorities the same religious freedoms afforded to the majority. “If Hindu spiritual leaders and gurus can freely propagate their teachings, establish temples, and receive donations, then why should Christians or any other religious group be denied similar freedoms in India?” it asked.
The controversy follows Kesari Weekly’s article claiming that the Church seeks to challenge anti-conversion laws in 11 states and alleging that conversions under missionary influence foster hostility toward one’s former religion.
Separately, the Syro-Malabar Church and Kerala Catholic Bishop Council have raised concerns with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Archbishop Andrews Thazath, chairman of the Syro-Malabar Public Affairs Commission, highlighted claims by the Waqf Board over Christian family properties in Cherai and Munambam villages in Ernakulam, affecting around 600 impoverished families from the fishermen’s community. The Church requested the JPC to address the threat to these families and their lands. (ANI)
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