Catholic Church Attacked by Mob

01 September 2004 0 minutes read

Twelve people have been arrested in Raikia, Orissa after an attack on Our Lady of Charity Catholic Church. On August 26, militant Hindus attacked the church building, as well as homes of some of the members. The door of the church was knocked down to allow the vandals to enter. They destroyed musical instruments, furniture, fixtures and literature. Windows were smashed on several homes. The incident began after church members protested the removal of a fence around the church property by local residents. According to news reports, at least six people were injured in the attack. As many as three hundred people were involved in the mob action.

Several platoons of armed police have been called in to protect the church property in an attempt to ease the tense situation. According to "The Hindu" news service, those arrested included Christians as well as Hindus.

Pray for peace between Christians and Hindus in Raikia and throughout India. Pray that Christians will be free from attack and be allowed to serve Christ without threats of violence.

For more information on persecution of Christians in India, click here.

India

India Information

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund
Country Information
Population
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)

Religion (%)
Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)

Leader
President Droupadi Murmu (2022)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for India
Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.