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"We are broadening our campaign against violence and seeking the support of other communities, [such as] Buddhists and even moderate Muslims," D'Souza adds." In solidarity with even secular Hindus and civil society, we will continue to put moral and political pressure on the government."

Meanwhile, Richard Howell, general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India, sees the pre-Christmas violence, particularly in Gujarat, as part of a continuing three- to four-year trend." It is part of the Hindu fundamentalists' communal strategy," Howell says. "Hatred and humiliation of minorities is their agenda. The violence against Christians has long been there, but now it is backed up by communal forces, unashamedly. And the silence of the government is a new dimension."

Delhi's archbishop, Vincent Michael Concessao, views the renewed violence in the light of a rightist propaganda campaign against evangelism. "The literature ascribing wrong motives over conversions and Christianity is being spread, now even in the remote villages," Concessao says. "And the authorities are unable to catch the culprits."

The archbishop says the violence is linked to Christian efforts to serve the downtrodden in India, such as the Dalits (formerly known as untouchables).

"I am not a prophet, but I am sure that things are going to worsen," Concessao says. "The more we work for the poor and Dalits, and the more they are going to demand their rights, the [more the] violence will escalate. But that's the price we have to pay to fight for equality and justice. And we should be prepared to face this."

Ronald J. Sider is president of Evangelicals for Social Action.

Read more about how you can pray for India from Operation World.

Previous Christianity Today articles about religious tensions in India include:

Indian Christian Youth Form Protection Group | Non-violent group aims to counter attacks on Christians through peaceful solidarity. (Nov. 12, 2000)

A Chinese Model for India's Churches? | No thank you, say Indian Christians to Hindu proposal for government church regulation. (Oct. 12, 2000)

Study of Indian Clergy Exposes Inequalities in Church Leadership | Many low-caste and rural Indians are Christians, but few have positions of influence within the church. (Oct. 9, 2000)

U.S. Religious Freedom Commission Criticized | Indian churches reject U.S. inquiry, but Pakistani Christians welcome it. (Oct. 3, 2000)

Plans to Resolve India's Interfaith Tensions Face Delays and Accusations | Did India's National Commission for Minorities plan a meeting to discredit Christians? (July 20, 2000)

India's First Dalit Archbishop Holds 'No Grudge' Over Predecessor's Attack | Once "untouchable" Dalits make up bulk of country's Christians. (May 11, 2000)

India's Christians Resist Move to Register Conversions | State's legislation unconstitutional, says leaders. (May 2, 2000)

Build Bridges, but Fight Fanaticism, India's Churches Told | National Council of churches in India will work against strengthening of caste system. (Mar. 9, 2000)

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December (Web-only) 2000, Vol. 44