A group of Catholic bishops in India has met with a state official about a series of incidents involving the harassment of Christian services by right wing activists accusing churches of trying to forcibly convert Hindus. The Church in India says it takes strong measures to assure.
Seven bishops from the Indian State of Uttar Pradesh have met with the chief minister of the state to discuss the recent disruptions of Christian places of worship in the state.
In recent months, right-wing activists from the Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV) have stopped services and harassed worshippers in the state, which is India’s largest, accusing churches of trying to convert the local Hindu population to Christianity. The HYV was founded by the chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, in 2002.
“We expressed a few concerns, seeking security and safety to the minority and especially to the places of worship, we also asked the honorable Chief Minister to look into the matter, where people take law into their own hands,” said Bishop Gerald John Mathias, the Bishop of Lucknow.
Mathias told Crux the chief minister assured them he would not permit vigilantism, and expressed his support for the work of the church in helping the poor and education.
“However, he told us that he was against ‘conversions,’ but we could go on speaking about Prabhu Yesu (Lord Jesus), and have respect for others faiths, and live in good will with all.”
