As persecution of Christians continues to rise globally, churches across India joined an international prayer initiative during the first two Sundays of November, with strong participation reported from cities and towns nationwide.
The International Days of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP), coordinated globally by the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) and promoted in India by the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), gained particular significance this year in light of increasing incidents against the Christian community in the nation. EFI has documented nearly 570 cases of violence and hate crimes against Christians in India during the first nine months of 2024.
“These numbers tell a story of communities under pressure,” Rev. Vijayesh Lal, General Secretary of EFI, told Christian Today. “Yet, what we're witnessing through IDOP is remarkable - when we unite in prayer, we're not just supporting our persecuted brothers and sisters, we’re demonstrating the resilience of the global Church. Despite these challenges, we find hope in God’s promise that He will never leave nor forsake us.”
The scale of global persecution remains alarming. WEA Ambassador for Religious Freedom, Godfrey Yogarajah, revealed that the past year saw approximately 5,000 Christians murdered for their faith, while over 14,000 Christian properties faced attacks. More than 4,000 believers were detained under harsh conditions. Current estimates indicate around 316 million Christians worldwide face severe persecution.
In Nagpur, Maharashtra, a gathering of over 180 people marked IDOP on November 3. “The response was beyond our expectations,” Rev. Amit Manwatkar, the event’s organiser told Christian Today: "Many participants were encountering these realities for the first time. We’re now seeing commitments to monthly prayer meetings and practical support initiatives for affected communities. Some have expressed desire to visit affected areas, while others have indicated that they would be organizing clothing drives for believers in need.”
The response in Chandigarh was equally significant, where Robert Masih coordinated an IDOP gathering where around 80 Christians joined for prayer. “This initiative goes beyond awareness - it's about sustained prayer support for persecuted believers,” Masih emphasized, highlighting plans for regular prayer meetings throughout the year. “The commitment shown by participants reinforces the importance of continuing these prayer efforts beyond just annual observances.”
Indian churches also marked IDOP on November 10th, with numerous congregations dedicating their Sunday services to prayer for persecuted Christians. In West Delhi, Surender Pokhal, who coordinated a special service, observed, “The unity we witnessed transcends denominational boundaries. These testimonies of persecution aren’t just inspiring prayers - they're strengthening our own faith commitments and reminding us of our responsibility to stand with those who suffer for their faith.”
Rev. Jitendra Rathor, who led another IDOP gathering at his Church in Delhi, emphasized the growing urgency of such initiatives. “When we hear testimonies of persecuted believers, it shakes us out of our comfort zones,” he said. “This year’s participation shows that churches are becoming increasingly aware of their role in supporting persecuted Christians through prayer and practical action.”
EFI, as the national alliance of the World Evangelical Alliance in India, has been providing resources including prayer guides and information materials to support local church initiatives. This year’s theme, “Courageous Faith,” draws from Deuteronomy 31:6, resonating strongly with current challenges faced by Christians worldwide.
The widespread participation in IDOP 2024 reflects growing awareness among Indian Christians about persecution. As reports of challenges facing Christian communities continue to emerge globally, these prayer initiatives are increasingly moving beyond annual observances to become regular features of church life. Many congregations are now implementing ongoing prayer and support mechanisms for persecuted Christians.
