New Delhi: The All India Christian Minority Front (AICMF) has called for a nationwide mass movement on 1st October this year, to protest against the continuously growing persecution at the hands of communal forces present in the country. Formed in year 2000 the organization has members representing different church denominations.
"Christian organizations at national and local level are coming together to raise a voice against persecution and discrimination," Philip Christy, AICMF president said highlighting that the protest would happen simultaneously across all 29 states of the country.
AICMF, along with other Christian organizations, have long been protesting about issues concerning the community at the local level but "nothing much has been done so it is time to make our voice heard," he said.
Citing the increase in cases of persecution since BJP the pro-hindu party came to power, at the national level, he said, "Some communal forces attached to the party are creating an atmosphere of fear among Christians by attacking them and their places of worship. They accuse us of wanting to convert [people]."
"There are incidents of violence against Christians happening all over. Just because it is not happening at a prominent place or not being reported in the media does not mean it is not taking place." Samuel Jaikumar of the National Council of Churches in India said while hinting that the Christians from Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, are increasingly targeted.
On the role of government Christy said "The government must reserve positions for the community in government and educational institutions," indicating that the present government is not doing enough to safeguard the churches and establishments run by Christians.
The AICMF now have to gather support from Catholic Bishop Conference of India (CBCI), Church of North India (CNI) and Church of South India (CSI) as they look forward to mobilise as many Christians as possible for the movement.
