2 of 2

These pernicious state laws also go against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 60 years ago, right after India's independence. That document recognizes "the inherent dignity and … the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family." Article 18, which highlights the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, notes, "This right includes freedom to change … religion or belief, and freedom … to manifest … religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance." It's time for New Delhi to get serious about religious freedom.

Prominent Hindus who rightly see their nation as an emerging world power are beginning to turn away in disgust from the militants. "I am a Hindu myself," Indian television talk-show host Rajiv Bajaj says. "Hinduism is a strong, ancient, rich tradition. Are we so insecure about our identity and heritage that it should lead to this kind of mindlessness? First the Sikhs, then the Muslims, now the Christians. Where does it end?"

Columnist Karan Thapar, meanwhile, believes "the time has come for the silent majority of Hindus—both those who ardently practice their faith as well as those who were born into it but may not be overtly religious or devout—to speak out."

They will find ready allies in Christians, who have blessed India since the first century, building schools, feeding the hungry, and standing up for the God-given dignity of all people. And we will continue to do so, come what may from the terrorists.

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Christianity Today also covered the attacks in India in a news story posted today: Worse than Ever.

CT's previous coverage of India can be found here, including these articles:

India's Burning Issue | Conversions in Orissa—and the violent reaction against them—highlight tension in India's not-so-dead caste system. (January 1, 2008)

Caste Down | Commission's decision imperils benefits for Christian Dalits. (January 15, 2008)

Premeditated Mobs | Hindu extremists exploit economic fears to launch attacks on Christians. (February 15, 2008)

Other CT editorials can be found here.

first page |  2 of 2

share this page

November 2008, Vol. 52, No. 11