New Delhi:

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) declared March 22 a day for prayer and fasting for peace and harmony in India amid an unprecedented religious polarization that threatens the country's cherished social harmony and democracy. The statement, issued after CBCI's 36th two-year assembly in Bangalore, expressed concern that the country's pluralistic ethos, which has always been a hallmark of India's democracy, is being challenged by divisive attitudes and hate speech, as well as the rise of Hindu fundamentalists.

The CBCI also warned that fundamental rights and the rights of minorities, which are guaranteed by the Constitution, should never be put at risk. The statement was a rare criticism by the CBCI of the Indian government, led by the Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi, who has been in power since 2014. Christians and Muslims have voiced their concern after Hindu fundamentalists have taken to the streets to demonstrate their support for Hindu nationalism and hoisted saffron flags atop churches and mosques.

In December, the United Christian Forum (UCF), an ecumenical group that tracks anti-Christian violence across the country, published a compilation of 687 cases of violence against Christians since the start of 2023. After Modi assumed power in 2014, sporadic incidents of violence have become a regular occurrence. UCF noted that only 147 violence cases were reported in 2014 but since then, the number of incidents has steadily increased to 687 cases in 2023.

The Indian bishops appealed to political leaders to “Make every effort to preserve the fundamental structure of the Constitution, especially the preamble, which states that India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic founded on justice, equity, and brotherhood.”

The bishops also expressed their concern that the country's critical democratic institutions were being weakened, the federal structure was under strain, and the media was failing to fulfil its role as the fourth pillar of democracy. The bishops from 174 dioceses have called on all citizens to enrol as voters and vote wisely to elect leaders who will uphold constitutional values and help the poor.

"As the general election draws near, all Christians eligible to vote must be motivated to do so as it is their sacred duty. It is important to remember that the representative must uphold religious freedom, human dignity, and the democratic process," the Apostolic Nuncio to India Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli urged the citizens while addressing the CBCI assembly on January 31.

According to CBCI's statement, India is recognized as a developing economic power but its economic growth has only benefited a small percentage of the population with the unemployment rate skyrocketing. The CBCI assembly pointed out that scientific and technological progress has yet to reach most people, particularly in rural areas, leading to a digital divide. It focused on the theme, ‘The Church's Response to the Recent Socio-political Situation in India and the Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence.’

The assembly said artificial intelligence has tremendous advantages in healthcare, agriculture, education, and research. However, it warned that these same technologies can also be used to spread hate, violence, manipulation, and social bigotry. The Indian bishops asked the government to regulate the use of AI to promote best practices and prevent misuse.

India's population comprises 79.8% Hindus, 14.2% Muslims and 2.3% Christians. However, in India's largest state of Uttar Pradesh with 230 million people, only 0.18% of the population is Christian.