Major Archbishop Cardinal Baselios Cleemis of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church on Christmas Day criticised what he described as a contradiction between the Prime Minister’s public outreach to Christians and the continued incidents of violence faced by the community in different parts of the country.
The Cardinal’s remarks came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi. Referring to recent incidents, Cardinal Cleemis pointed to an alleged attack on a Christmas carol group in Palakkad district of Kerala, reportedly involving a worker affiliated with a right-wing organisation.
Highlighting the contrast between symbolic gestures and ground realities, the Cardinal said that while the Prime Minister’s participation in Christmas celebrations sends a positive message, such actions lose significance when Christians continue to face intimidation and violence elsewhere. He questioned the effectiveness of repeated assurances given by authorities, stating that they have not resulted in visible or lasting change.
The Major Archbishop noted that Church leaders have consistently raised concerns regarding attacks and harassment with those in power, but said that these representations have rarely translated into concrete action. He expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of accountability and follow-through.
The comments come at a politically sensitive moment, as the ruling party has sought to broaden its engagement with Christian communities, particularly in Kerala, ahead of upcoming elections. The Prime Minister’s presence at Christmas events has been viewed as part of this outreach.
However, Cardinal Cleemis’ intervention underscores persistent concerns within the Christian community that public gestures of goodwill must be matched by effective protection on the ground. His Christmas Day statement has added weight to the ongoing national discussion on minority safety, political responsibility, and the need to ensure that assurances of harmony are reflected in action.
