Chhattisgarh Nuns Case: Government of India Intervention Sought

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Repeated attempts to secure the release of the arrested nuns in Chhattisgarh have proved futile. Leaders from the Churches in India as well as those in the civil society have condemned the arrest of the two nuns in Chhattisgarh last Friday and demanded their immediate release. The leadership of the National Council of Churches in India echoes these sentiments and calls on the Government of India to hear the call of the Indian Christian Community and URGENTLY intervene in this and several such instances of actions against members of the Christian community, both in the practice of faith and the discharge of their ministerial calling.

It is common knowledge that it is the essential calling of the Christian Communities individually and jointly, also through their Churches and Christian organisations their staff and the faithful, to be involved in such humanitarian work the world over and mostly among communities that are historically discriminated and socially disadvantaged. It is unfortunate that such acts motivated by love for fellow citizens from weak and vulnerable communities, and often aimed at aiding the States initiatives including schemes such as ‘beti balchão beti padao’ to address those who are falling through the gaps, is sought to be criminalised.

Media is filled with news of violence against Christians in different parts of the country. Most of these attacks are on Christians that are simply practicing their religion, the religion of their choice, and congregating in designated places for peaceful conduct of prayers. In almost all cases the Christian Communities have been doing these with no ill-will and within the ambit of the law of the land. It is deplorable that violence is unleashed by ‘mobs’ on such peaceful assembly and practice of faith of one’s choice, oftentimes with the state-machinery standing by as helpless onlookers or silently consenting. It is even more distressing to see women and children being attacked.

More and more states, the latest being the state of Maharashtra, threaten to and eventually enact laws to ‘protect’ Freedom of Religion and Belief. These, adding to those that already exist in 11 states across the country have only alienated minority communities further, and provided ammunition for harassment of the community often in the hands of mobs aided by the absence of the state in the active discharge of it’s duties to protect the attacked.

The long-standing issue of making the 1950 Presidential order religion-neutral, the evading peace in the state of Manipur which continues to be detrimental to the Christian Community, delayed filling of vacancies in the Minorities related Commissions continue to be issues that the Christian community is affected with. Calls to rein in leaders who delivered inflammatory hate speeches against Christians also were not heeded to.

The National Council of Churches in India the official mandated body representing the Protestant and Orthodox Churches in India is deeply committed in engaging with the Government in finding a solution to these vexed issues of communities blaming each other and the minorities among them being harassed. We urge the Government of India to address and contain all forces that seek to polarise religious communities and work on synergising the strengths of organisations of religious and social communities in achieving a higher index of Gross National Happiness and thereby better economic growth and eradication of poverty, malnutrition and hunger reflected in all social parameters and their indicators.

We urge the Government of India, one more time, to engage with the official bodies of the Christian communities in India such as the National Council of Churches in India and it’s sister bodies to deal substantially and conclusively with all outstanding issues relating to christians, in order that the credibility of this nation’s plural being and it’s ethos of unity in diversity is further affirmed and celebrated. We stand committed as always to the growth of the nation and her people, and to the express resolve of the Governments for inclusive growth and building a strong future for the people of India.

God bless India. May the current session of the Parliament bring prosperity and peace to all peoples of the land. We look forward to the IMMEDIATE release of the arrested sisters, and all others in custody for the practice of their Chrsitian faith and discharge of their responsibilities in Christian mission.

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NCCI Condemns Inhuman Attack on Dalit Christians in Madhya Pradesh

CONDEMNATION OF INHUMAN ATTACK ON DALIT CHRISTIANS  ON THE NIGHT OF JUNE 22, 2025 IN NEPANAGAR VILLAGE, BURHANPUR DISTRICT MADHYA PRADESH- APPEAL FOR JUSTICE

We are deeply shocked, heartbroken, and outraged by the horrifying and inhumane incident that occurred on the night of June 22, 2025, in Nepa Nagar village, Burhanpur district, Madhya Pradesh. According to verified reports and viral video evidence, a mob of approximately 150 individuals forcibly entered the residence of a Christian pastor and subjected four Dalit Christians to brutal physical assault, humiliation, and public degradation. They were stripped, paraded semi-naked, verbally abused, and forced to bow before a Hindu deity under coercion — all on the false accusation of religious conversion.

This barbaric act not only violates the core values of humanity and dignity but also constitutes a gross infringement of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, the right to equality, and the right to life and personal liberty under Articles 25, 14, and 21 respectively.

Even more disturbing are credible accounts that local police officers were either passive bystanders or complicit actors during the public parading of the victims. This failure of law enforcement, and alleged support to vigilantes, has deeply eroded the community’s faith in the rule of law and justice.

Such orchestrated violence against Christians — particularly against the marginalized Dalit community practicing Chrsitian Faith is part of a deeply concerning pattern of intolerance, intimidation, and communal targeting that must be urgently addressed.

We therefore demand:

  1. Immediate arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the assault, humiliation, and public shaming of the Christian community.
  2. Full compensation and protection to the victims and their families.
  3. Concrete action against those who misuse anti-conversion laws to target minorities.
  4. Implementation of strong measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of religious minorities and uphold India’s secular democratic ethos.

We stand united in our condemnation of this heinous attack. No religion or belief system condones such cruelty. We urge the Minister of Home Affairs Government of India, Chairperson: National Human Rights Commission, Chairperson: National Commission for Minorities, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Director General of Police, Madhya Pradesh to act decisively and urgently — to uphold justice, restore dignity, and reaffirm our collective faith in the secular fabric of this nation.

Rev. Asir Ebnezer
General Secretary, NCCI

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NEWS RELEASE | Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024

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The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) condemns the intent of the Uttar Pradesh Government in moving the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2024. This amendment significantly intensifies the provisions of the original Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021. While the 2021 Act already classified religious conversion as a cognizable and non-bailable offense, with penalties up to 10 years in prison for conversions conducted through marriage, misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, or other allegedly fraudulent methods, the new amendment introduces even harsher measures. It raises the maximum penalty from 10 years to life imprisonment, allows any individual to file a complaint, and complicates the bail process.

We object to this law in so far as it violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution. Conversion itself is not an offence unless induced by undue influence, misrepresentation, or coercion, which only the victim can claim. Additionally, the new law adversely affects the harmonious life in India and the basic rights of it’s citizens;

  • Impact on Fundamental Rights: The anti-conversion law encroaches on the constitutional right to freely practice and profess religion, a fundamental human right recognized by both the Indian Constitution and international human rights standards.
  • Restrictions on Personal Freedom: The law imposes undue limitations on individuals’ ability to make independent choices regarding their faith.
  • Potential for Abuse: The law grants extensive authority to officials and any third parties which could be misused to target specific individuals or communities based on religious prejudice.
  • Risk of Increased Harassment: There is a risk of heightened harassment and criminalization of peaceful religious practices, including baptism in Christianity.
  • Exacerbation of Communal Tensions: By creating an environment of mistrust and division, the law threatens to aggravate communal tensions and undermine India’s diverse religious harmony.
  • Vague Provisions: The law contains ambiguous provisions including that of ‘mass conversion’ that are susceptible to broad interpretation, leading to inconsistent enforcement and possible injustice.
  • Paternalistic Approach: The law adopts a paternalistic perspective, undermining individuals’ dignity by implying they are incapable of making informed choices about their own religious beliefs.

In light of these concerns, NCCI calls on the Uttar Pradesh Government to rethink this law and promptly abandon its effort to enact it.  It is imperative that we uphold the values of freedom, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations.

We encourage a more inclusive dialogue with all faith groups on how best to address concerns about coercive conversions without infringing on fundamental freedoms. The emphasis should be on ensuring that all individuals can make personal choices without fear of legal repercussions or social ostracism.

Rev Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

Dated: 31 July, 2024

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Pray for Peace in Palestine and Israel

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The situation in Palestine and Israel is deplorable. Unabated violence has made several homeless, many injured and dead.

We pledge our prayers for the Peace in Palestine and Israel, and plead with all concerned – Governments and Agencies alike – to do all that is in their power to stop violence, save lives and de-escalate further damage to the people of Palestine and Israel, and in the region.

As the National Council of Churches in India, we unambiguously condemn violence in all its guises and the loss of innocent lives on both sides especially the attack and killing of more than 2,500 civilian lives from 6th of October, 2023. We decry violence as it perpetuates suffering and pain, and we remember that every life is a precious creation of God. We mourn for every lost life. We speak comfort to all bereaved.

We cannot turn a blind eye to the long and painful history of oppression and the forceful occupation of Palestinian land. Over many decades Palestinians have borne the weight of dispossession, displacement, and the denial of their fundamental human rights, injuring over 152,560 Palestinians and over 6307 Israelis since 1948. In our hearts, we know that “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20).

We invite all constituents and their units to earnestly lift this concern to God in Prayer. Pray for the immediate cessation of the conflict.

While we pray for the immediate cessation of conflict and healing, we also pray for the long-awaited Justice for the people of Palestine.

May God bring healing in the land.

The Call: A Lament of the Suffering 

Psalm 23 Inspired by the Kairos document

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary, NCCI

 

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Prayer Day for PEACE in MANIPUR (July 30)

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In the last few days we have witnessed the outrage of the People of India in different locations with regard to the unabated violence in Manipur. We stood united in condemning violence and sexual assault on women, and continue to voice out and intervene.

We also see unrest and semblances of violence spilling over to other parts of the North East India. This is quite dangerous and needs to be contained.

The secretariat of the National Council of Churches in India and it’s service wing the Christian Service Agency is seized of the matter in different fronts. We are in constant contact with our constituents in Manipur and churches in NE for finding out the ways to build peace in that region. Agencies related to the NCCI like the CASA and the LWSIT are also actively engaged in providing relief to the affected irrespective of ethnicities or religious affiliations.

We now appeal for concerted prayer – joining together in one accord – to advocate for PEACE in Manipur and the whole of North East India. We request all local churches/ congregations/ parishes/ corps in the episcopal overview and pastoral supervision of the NCCI Member Churches to observe the upcoming Sunday – Sunday the 30th July 2023 as a COMMON Day of PRAYER for PEACE in MANIPUR and across NORTH EAST INDIA.

We pray God Almighty to look favourably upon the situation in Manipur, and bless all efforts to bring Healing amidst the people of Manipur and Peace in the region.

We thank the Heads of Churches, all the Constituents of the NCCI, and all those who have actively involved in providing relief and advocating for Peace in Manipur. We further urge you to be continually involved and encourage all, over whom you have influence, to also involve in local initiatives to build peace and promote communal harmony among and amidst all people.

Let us be fervent in prayer.

Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary NCCI

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NCCI appeals Churches for austere New year celebrations in solidarity with Christians attacked for faith.

Over a thousand Christians from more than 20 villages in Narayanpur and Kondagaon districts of Chattisgarh state had to flee for their life as violent mobs attacked them for not willing to recant their Christian faith. This is latest in a series of attacks in the State as well as in different parts of the country.

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) had earlier condemned the December incidents in Chattisgarh state, and called the State Government and National bodies to intervene. Many others have also made representations for action. The Chief Minister has gone on record stating that no one is above law and action will be taken.

In a letter to the heads of the churches in the fellowship of the National Council of Churches in India, the General Secretary of the NCCI has appealed for austerity in the New Year celebration in order to express solidarity with the sentiments of the Christians who have been attacked and with their expression of deep commitment to the faith of their choice.

The NCCI has also requested for special prayers for the victims of violence, and to intercede for the country as a whole so that citizens of all faiths, ethnicities, identities and orientations will inherit 2023 in peace and harmony.

NCCI Communiqué

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16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence

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The 16 Days of activism 2022 was again a time for showing the commitment and re committing for the cause of women. It was a time to affirm actions against Gender based violence and Violence against women.

“16 Days of Activism against Gender based violence”

 from the 25th of November (International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women) to the 10th of December (International Human Rights Day).

This period also includes observance of some other important days like – November 29 (International Women Human Rights Defenders Day), December 1 (World AIDS Day) and December 6 (Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre).

 The 16 Days Campaign this year helped organizing strategy for individuals, groups and churches around India to call for the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence against women and to:

 

  1.   Demonstrate the solidarity of women around the world organizing against gender-based violence against women
  2. Strengthen local work around gender-based violence against women
  3. Organise Rally, Lobby, Network and voice out for the issue.
  4. Provide a forum in which organizers can develop and share new and effective strategies
  5.   Raise awareness about gender-based violence against women as a human  rights issue at the local, national, regional and international levels
  6. Have a women/gender  safeguarding policy in your respective Churches.

The theme for this year “United”. We were encourage you to take this opportunity to talk about the “UNiTE” Campaign in 2022, under the global banner UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls, the aim to mobilize all UNITE networks, civil society and women’s rights organizations, organizations working with men and boys, the UN system, the Action Coalition on Gender Based Violence, government partners, human rights defenders, schools, universities, private sector, sports clubs and associations and individuals to become activists for the prevention of violence against women, to stand in solidarity with women’s rights activists and to support feminist movements around the world to resist the rollback on women’s rights and calling for a world free from VAWG (violence against women and girls).

As National Council of Churches in India it is our responsibility to encourage each other – member churches/ councils/ organizations and agencies to join in the observation of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence and work on a just inclusive environment for a wholesome growth of all.

The outcome which was very visible in the observations this year was:

  1. Need for an inclusive Church, where everyone is welcome and safe irrespective of Caste, creed, ethnicity, ability & GENDER.
  2. Invest in Women for their development was a theme that came strongly from one of the member body.
  3. The need for Gender Policy in church and organisations is the need for the hour.
  4. Networking of men and women for the Eradication of Gender Based Violence.
  5. Faith Leaders to take the cause.

Were few of the goals that were set before us all for the year 2023.

We Hope that Year 2023 will see many steps taken for creating a just and egalitarian society.

We thank our Members like, Salvation Army in India, ISPCK, CSI, Mennonite Church , CNI, Kerala Christian Council, and many more for conducting various Activism programmes in Local area.

Submitted by

Women’s Concern
NCCI

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An Appeal to observe AUGUST 10th as “National Protest Day”

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Respected Ecumenical Leaders and dear Friends,

Greetings from NCCI- Dalit and Tribal/ Adivasi Concerns!

National Council of Churches in India-Dalit and Tribal/Adivasi Concerns, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of India-Office for SC/BC and National Council of Dalit Christians jointly appeals all of you to organise and proactively participate in observing ‘National Protest Day’ on 10th August to raise our protest regarding the continual negligence of the government to the cry for the rights of Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims in the country.

The infamous Presidential (Scheduled Caste) Order 1950 was signed on 10th August 1950 by the then President of India which says “No person who professes a religion other than Hinduism shall be deemed to be a member of the scheduled caste” which was later amended to include Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990) in the Scheduled Caste net. But this law, as we are all aware of, keeps the Dalit Muslims and Dalit Christians from the Scheduled Castes list. Ever since this order was promulgated, the Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims have been observing 10th August as a BLACK DAY/ NATIONAL PROTEST DAY. Unfortunately, due to Covid 19 pandemic we could not conduct any physical meeting/programme for past two years. This year, the situation has been improved and gradually normal life is resuming. We are therefore, hopeful to observe National Protest Day as usual across the country on 10th August. In Delhi, this year since the monsoon session of the parliament is resuming, the organizing committee has decided to hold a “Dharana” at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 4th August 2022 from 10AM to 3PM. We extend our cordial invitation to all of you to participate in the ‘Dharana’ and be part of this movement.

Read more

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Declaration of the National Council of Churches in India on COP26

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Declaration from National Council of Churches in India To the 26th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP26) Of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Scheduled to open on 31st October 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), the National Ecumenical expression of 76 constituents including protestant and orthodox confessions and several national organizations discern in unity “to strongly proclaim our deep-rooted faith in caring and nurturing our common household – God’s Earth as fundamental Christian obligation” and thus release the following Declaration to the delegates, faith communities, world leaders and other stakeholders.

It is with profound grief and responsibility we recognize that

  • The earth is overburdened and overloaded with greedy life style, a society driven by corporate centered economy and growing disparity.
  • Soil, water, air, forest, mountain, animal is slowly dying and in extinction due to heavy exploitation and irresponsible behavior.
  • Adivasi, Tribals and such other Indigenous Communities and forest dwellers who have been nature care takers are displaced and exploited in the name of development and
  • Climate change consequences have its worse impacts on poorest countries and communities at the bottom.

We critically demand and urge urgent and responsible actions to be taken at COP26 in the following area

  • Renewed commitment to reduce CO2 emissions.
  • Ensuring life and livelihood of the Adivasi, Tribal and such other Indigenous communities, as well as communities at climate risk through adequate compensation for recreation.
  • Stop climate change migration and minimize mining projects that harms forest, water, air and soil and largely affect forest communities.
  • Call upon decision makers for urgent action to prevent the loss and damage caused by climate change; especially less rain fall, unseasonal rain and regular cyclones are the disastrous outcome of human made climate change.
  • The developed nations must minimize carbon pressure on poorest countries; design alternative sustainable model of energy production; Adopt zero emission and green economy as high priority in contrast to consumption of fossil fuel.

We as faith community uphold all contributors and actors in prayer and commit for the following actions

  • We place life over life style.
  • We pray, meditate and reflect upon God’s commandment to recreate and restore God’s creation and care for other human being.
  • We as churches in India pledge to turn all our churches into Green Churches by 2030 by being energy efficient and plastic free.
  • We will advocate for climate justice and climate resilient society by urging government, corporate and global leaders.
  • Network for a better and sustainable future for next generations.
  • We put continuous pressure for accountability.

We offer hope and peace to the world and commit to work together for a healthy and sustainable future for all.

Drafted by:
Mr. Angelious Michael
Dr. Mathew Koshy Punnackadu Ms. Renemsongla Ozukum
Rev.A Joshuva Peter (Treasurer NCCI),
Mr. Pradip Bansrior (Executive Secretary, NCCI Dalit and Tribal/ Adivasi Concerns),
NCCI Working Group on Ecological Justice

 

Rev. Asir Ebenezer
General Secretary,
National Council of Churches in India

Wednesday 27th October 2021



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	NCCI condemns the attack on Palestinian territories; urges Government of India to urge Israel to stop the attacks				
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The Kairos India Partnership of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), consisting of the Christian Institute for Study of Religion and Society (CISRS), the Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) and the National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW) condemn the continued evictions of Palestinians and forced military presence in holy sites of the Palestinian communities leading to acts of aggression and inappropriate use of force by Israel causing untold suffering and loss of human lives.


We realize that the conflicts have a history and geopolitical interests of dominant communities. Debate on who incited and who provoked will continue unabated. Yet we call for restraint on both sides to the conflict so that loss of lives and property will be avoided.


We extend our solidarity to the families of the victims and we stand with the people of Gaza who are largely affected by the trauma of the attack of the Israeli armed forces. Let God enable all the affected ones to experience eternal peace and concord in this time of grief and chaos. As the world goes through the struggles in controlling the pandemic the challenges such as these put a dire question towards demeaning the idea of humanity and coexistence of diverse communities in different places.


The Kairos India Partnership believes in dialogue and peaceful coexistence of peoples of both Palestine and Israel. We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine who are at the receiving end and support expressions of solidarity to Palestine that are coming in from different parts of the world.


We recognize the intervention of India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in affirming the rights of the people of Palestine,  and call upon the Government of India to use its good offices, and through its diplomatic channels, urge Israel to restrain from such use of brutal force over the Palestinian territories, particularly at this time over Gaza. This will help avoid instability, and avert a war-like situation that looms over the region.


May God grant, to all parties to the conflict, the moral and ethical conscience – that we are meant to live justly, with all people and ethnicity, in peace and with reconciliation.


 


Rev. Asir Ebenezer

General Secretary, NCCI


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