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Civil society is now looking forward to the rejection of the Hindutva agenda that has affected many areas of Indian life. A national anti-conversion law is now out of the question. Most certainly, there will be a review of the anti-terrorism laws that have been used to victimize the innocent. Civil society wants immediate review of the education department. Most importantly the oppressed peoples, the Dalits, will receive more attention.

For all of us in the leadership of the Christian Council, this election and the last seven years have been a demonstration of the power of God when we are united, pray and act. The All India Christian Council is a major Christian alliance, as well as a human rights organization. Our small role in civil society, the human rights fraternity, and the influencing of the political processes in the nation is now accepted by most of the political formations in the nation. Many of our non-Christian friends will be in the Government. A couple of the lay leaders of the Christian Council will be in Parliament and in a few local State governments. To top it all, here in Andhra Pradesh we will have a Christian Chief Minister.

Our analysis on the Christian persecution? It will continue and perhaps increase at the State level where the BJP is in power, and we will have to work harder to protect and serve the new Christians in the troubled states of Gujarat and Orissa. The Sangh Parivar groups are expected to create communal tension and problems to vitiate the social atmosphere. Attacks on evangelistic work will continue.

But at the national level, we expect change. We expect the national government not to condone the harassment of minorities and the Dalits. We also expect the processes of justice to be expedited. We expect religious freedom and the freedom to exercise all our spiritual and social rights.

Pray for India.

Joseph D'Souza is president of the All India Christian Council.

Viewpoints published in "Speaking Out" do not necessarily represent those of Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

See also today's related news story, "Indian Churches Hail the Defeat of Hindu-Nationalist Government | 'Vote consciously' campaign urged Christian voters to elect secular political parties."

Other articles on India include:

India Undaunted | Escalating repression can't seem to dampen the church's growth. (April 28, 2004)

The Immense Commission | Most postal areas still don't have any Christian workers living in them. (April 28, 2004)

Watch Those Web Postings | What Indians say American Christians should, and shouldn't, do to help. (April 28, 2004)

Blockbuster Evangelism | Millions have been converted after seeing films about Jesus, and Hindu radicals are responding with violence. (Nov. 26, 2003)

Hindu Leaders Crack Down on Conversions | Potential converts must ask permission (Oct. 13, 2003)

Weblog: Bogus Claims of Abuse Leveled Against Martyred Missionary (June 13, 2003)

Power in Punjab | Christians see churches—and opposition—grow among Sikhs. (June 18, 2003)

Fending off Hindutva | Indian Christians blast Nazi-like survey, "draconian" conversion law. (May 16, 2003)

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May (Web-only) 2004, Vol. 48