National

Row over Jerusalem ad in Tirupati

Advertisement of Jerusalem yatra and Haj pilgrimage on bus tickets in the temple town of Tirupati has sparked a row on August 26, compelling Andhra Pradesh government to order a probe. State Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas said some of the tickets of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) that were supposed to be issued […]

Media spreads misunderstanding on Kalappura dismissal: Clarists

Certain sections of the media are spreading misunderstanding about the disciplinary actions taken against Sister Lucy Kalappura, alleges the Franciscan Clarist Congregation. “The media should refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the congregation that spreads misunderstanding and creates unrest in society,” says an undated statement from the Public Relations Officer of the congregation’s […]

Church to combat human trafficking in North-Eastern India

The Indian media has reported cases of human trafficking of girls and boys from north-eastern India. Incidents of racial attacks on people from the region are reported from other parts of India, including New Delhi, national capital. The Church in north-eastern India has brought these matters to the attention of labour commission as well Catholic […]

Church leader upset with acquittals in India lynching case

A Catholic bishop in western India says he is pained by a court’s decision to acquit six people accused of beating to death, a Muslim man two years ago in a cow protection case. The court in Alwar district of Rajasthan on Aug. 14 gave “the benefit of doubt” in setting free the six, who […]

Tamil Nadu party seeks enumeration of Dalit Christians, Muslims

With pre-testing for Census 2021 currently underway, a political party in Tamil Nadu has called for the enumeration of Christians and Muslims of Dalit origin in the Scheduled Caste list. D. Ravikumar of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK, Liberation Panthers Party) has reiterated its demand that Dalit persons belonging to Christian or Muslim faiths be extended […]

158 anti-Christian incidents in six months: Christian Forum

The first six months of 2019 witnessed 158 incidents of violence against Christians in 23 states of India, says United Christian Forum, based on the records of its helpline. Among the 158 incidents recorded, 130 relate to attacks or intimidation and threats by violent mobs that beat up faithful assembled peacefully in church or house-church […]

Education policy: Church wants to be consulted

Catholic bishops have proposed a series of changes in a draft education policy prepared by the Indian government, criticizing its silence on the rights and contributions of Christians. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, led by the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), drafted the National Education Policy (NEP 2019) in its attempt to revise […]

Government asked to invite Pope to India

The Indian government should invite Pope Francis to come to the populous nation as vast numbers of people were anxiously hoping for such a visit, according to an Opposition Congress Party Member of Parliament. Kodikunnil Suresh told the lower house that a papal visit would enhance the nation’s reputation for honouring individuals who enhance communal […]

Eviction-facing Indian Catholics to fight Muslim charity’s claims

Goans oppose tourism project near 16th century basilica