In a remarkable show of solidarity, over 300 Christian leaders from the United States have formally appealed to the U.S. State Department to classify India as a country of concern due to the alleged increase in religious persecution. This intervention is a significant stand against what they perceive as escalating threats to religious freedom under the current Indian administration.

This collective appeal highlights allegations of worsening conditions for Christians and other religious minorities since the BJP party ascended to power, Catholic News Agency reported.

The coordinated effort was led by the Federation of Indian-American Christian Organizations of North America (FIACONA). The letter, dated August 1, specifically demands that India be designated a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) over its handling of religious freedoms. This designation is reserved for nations particularly egregious in violating religious rights, as defined by the U.S. Department of State.

Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Narendra Modi, assumed power in 2014, FIACONA and other advocates have documented a marked uptick in hostile incidents targeting Christians. Reported attacks on this community amounted to 1,570 in 2023 compared to 1,198 in the previous year.

U.S. Christian Leaders Speak Against Religious Persecution

The appeal letter lists numerous individuals who have united in this cause, including 18 bishops, three archbishops, and leaders from more than 40 distinct Christian organizations spanning several denominations and backgrounds. Noteworthy among the signatories are several Catholic priests and Bishop Mar Joy Alappat of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Eparchy of Chicago.

The leaders are advocating not only for recognition of these alleged violations but also for actionable U.S. intervention. They have explicitly requested the U.S. State Department to consider imposing targeted sanctions against Indian officials deemed responsible for these violations.

This call for action is bolstered by statements from individuals deeply embedded in the issue, such as Pieter Friedrich, a board member at FIACONA and a journalist well-versed in South Asian affairs. Friedrich's views encapsulate the gravity with which these leaders view the situation: "The U.S. Church is tragically silent as India becomes not only our nation's greatest ally in Asia but also the most dangerous democracy in the world for Christians," he stated.

Response and Resistance to Religious Violations in India

Friedrich also expressed optimism about the shifting attention towards these issues, noting, "It is encouraging to see the narrative shift as, finally, hundreds of Christian leaders from diverse backgrounds raise a voice for the persecuted Church in India."

These remarks shed light on the broader implications of the letter and the discontent it represents among U.S. Christian leadership towards India's religious freedom track record under the Modi regime. The decision by these leaders to step forward marks a crucial moment in advocacy for religious minorities in India.

The designation of a country as a CPC not only highlights transgressions but also sets a pathway for further diplomatic action, which could include sanctions against those deemed responsible. The upsurge in documented attacks against Christians has prompted activists to push for these significant measures.

Implications of the CPC Designation for India

The experts and human rights activists who have long denounced India's exclusion from the CPC list have welcomed this high-profile advocacy, seeing it as a pivotal move towards acknowledging and addressing serious concerns about India's religious freedom environment. This appeal could alter the way international stakeholders view India's religious freedom landscape.

Should the U.S. State Department act on this request, the implications could be substantial, affecting diplomatic relations and possibly leading to sanctions that emphasize the importance of upholding religious freedom globally.

Among international communities, this development shifts focus sharply towards India's policies and governance under its current administration, making it a topic of significant global interest and concern. The move by U.S. Christian leaders to formally address these issues reflects a critical stance on religious equality and the global regime protecting such fundamental human rights.

Long-standing Concerns Over Religious Freedom Resurface

In sum, the initiative by over 300 Christian leaders in the U.S. underscores a significant moment in international religious advocacy. By urging the U.S. State Department to designate India as a CPC, they have highlighted ongoing concerns and catalyzed a broader discussion about religious rights and freedoms. The resolution of this request could have far-reaching consequences for India's international standing and its treatment of religious minorities.