01/10/2024 India (International Christian Concern) — Attacks and persecution against the church in India are at the highest levels in recent memory, and sadly this past Christmas season was no exception. In the final week of last year, 23 targeted attacks across India, many on Christmas day, were reported by the United Christian Forum (UCF).

The incident of violence and persecution included:

• The arrest of five pastors for hosting a worship service to celebrate Christmas
• The arrest of three believers in Uttar Pradesh under the Freedom of Religion Act
• The denial of a Christian burial in Chhattisgarh
• The assault and excommunication of a pastor and his family from their community
• A mob attack against a church service celebrating Christmas in Andhra Pradesh
• The abuse of a female pastor in Punjab for hosting a worship service

All these incidents, and many others, are justified and encouraged through anti-conversion laws that are established in many parts of the country. Government officials turn a blind eye to, or are actively involved in, these acts of persecution against the church.

The year 2023 ended with a reported 720 incidents against Christians in India.

Please continue to pray for the country, and the for church to continue to thrive there despite continued threats to its existence.