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Christians lack confidence in Modi government, cardinal

Indian Christians’ trust in the government has become shaky in the wake of increased attacks on Christians and members of the clergy, says Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India. The cardinal was addressing the media in New Delhi on Dec. 20 after visiting a central Indian city where Hindu activists […]

Hindu group warns Christian schools against celebrating Christmas

A Hindu group has warned Christian schools in Aligarh area of Uttar Pradesh State not to celebrate Christmas in schools alleging that such celebrations are aimed at converting majority Hindu students in these institutions. Hindu Jagaran Manch state secretary Sanju Bajaj said his organization will issue letters to all Christian schools to refrain from Christmas […]

Nun raped amid anti-Christian pogrom takes comfort in Christmas

For survivors of one the early 21st century’s worst spasms of anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal in eastern India in 2008, the nine Christmases they’ve marked since have taken on a special meaning, as a reminder of the origins of the faith for which they suffered. Arguably no one has reflected more deeply on that connection […]

Catholics working in the Middle East face trials of faith

Siji Antony was initially thrilled when, after many hurdles, she received her visa for a medical nurse’s job in Saudi Arabia in 2013. A handsome salary and the lure of a big city added to the excitement. But her joy was short-lived. The restrictions on the practices of her Catholic faith in the kingdom was […]

Ockhi calamity: Latin Catholic council demands Rs 3500 crore package

Archbishop Susapakiam of Thiruvananthapuram and Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Council representatives have demanded Rs 3500 crore package from the Centre for the Ockhi-affected people in Kerala. “The package should include protection of coastal area, basic development of fishermen community, availability of communication facility and house construction. Fishermen should be given 25% representation in Navy, Coastguard […]

Christmas celebrations disrupted In Rajasthan

Christmas celebrations at a community centre in Rajasthan’s Pratapgarh district were disrupted December 20 night by a local right-wing group who accused the organizers of trying to convert their guests to Christianity. According to “Masih Shakti Samiti,” (Jesus power committee), the organizers of the event, some people barged into the community centre at around 8.30 […]

Woman with cancer dies after refusing treatment due to pregnancy

A 43-year-old Catholic nurse in India died on Christmas Day from breast cancer, two years after she refused her doctor’s advice to get an abortion, so she could begin chemotherapy. Sapna Tracy, who already had seven children, refused to sacrifice the life of her child, giving birth to her daughter Philomena in December 2015. “I […]

Second Pakistan Church attacked by armed mob

Another church has been attacked in Pakistan, this time by a violent mob amid escalating pre-Christmas tensions. More than 50 armed men stormed St Paul’s Catholic Church on the night of Dec. 19 night in Sambrial Town of Sialkot district in Punjab Province. The assailants fired shots into the air and entered the church compound, […]