Protection for Christians during holy week seen as vindication

Court verdict ordering Madhya Pradesh state government to protect churches during Holy week, justifies Church's stand against false allegations of forced conversions asserts Church leaders.

On March 20, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the government to arrange police protection for Christian churches and gatherings on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, reported UCA News.

The court order followed a petition filed by Father Anand Muttungal, spokesperson of the Catholic Church in the central Indian state who claimed police protection was given for all church services and no attacks were reported.

Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal said the court order was a welcome step that has vindicated the Church's insistence it never indulges in conversion through force and allurement.

The Christian leaders allege that after the pro–Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party came to power in the state in December 2003, Christians and their institutions have been targeted in more than 100 attacks.

Archbishop Cornelio said, the court order from the state's highest legal authority has affirmed Christians' constitutional right to practice their religion without fear.

The petition was filed fearing attacks during the Holy week after some radical groups threatened to stage protests before churches across the state.