Statement of Inter-Religious Solidarity Council on recent attacks on Christians
India is internationally recognised for its civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—which reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to diversity, pluralism, and mutual respect among religions and cultures. This inclusive tradition has historically enabled people of different faiths to celebrate each other’s festivals with joy and camaraderie.
In this context, reports of attacks targeting Christmas celebrations in the year 2025 across various parts of India is deeply distressing. In Assam, St Mary’s School in Panigaon village, Nalbari district, was vandalised, with festival-related items in shops damaged, Christmas decorations set on fire, and provocative slogans raised. In Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a BJP city vice president publicly abused and physically assaulted a visually impaired woman attending a Christmas feast. Similarly, in Rajasthan, Hindu extremists vandalised a school in Nagaur during Christmas celebrations. In a Mumbai suburb, two Christian women were harassed on December 11 while distributing pamphlets. The men accused them of trying to convert Hindus, even though the women said the pamphlets were only about a church prayer service. These are only examples of some of the attacks. Attacks on Christmas celebrations are only one form of anti-Christian violence. Anti-Christian violence takes different forms, including attacks on prayer meetings, denial of burial space, assaults etc.
The Inter-Religious Solidarity Council (IRSC), Mumbai, unequivocally condemns these acts of violence and intimidation in the strongest possible terms.
We reiterate here that IRSC opposes all religious conversions using force or coercion, or undue inducement, or by use of fraudulent means, as it militates against the principle of genuine religious freedom. IRSC emphasises that neither violence nor coercion has any place in religious discourse. No religion sanctions violence or hatred against followers of other faiths, just as no true faith can be spread through deceit or compulsion. India’s rich philosophical heritage is grounded in the principle of “yato mat, tato path”, meaning there are as many paths as there are a number of opinions. This idea was eloquently articulated by Swami Vivekananda, who observed that just as rivers from different sources ultimately merge into the sea, diverse spiritual paths—though varied in their practices—lead to the same ultimate truth. His teachings affirmed the legitimacy of multiple paths to spirituality and God. This inclusive vision has shaped India’s social ethos and enabled harmonious coexistence, influenced by the teachings of religious leaders such as the Buddha, Guru Nanak, Swami Vivekananda, Kabir, Mother Teresa, and Nizamuddin Auliya.
Mumbai, in particular, has long stood as an exemplar of cosmopolitan and inclusive living, where Christmas is celebrated with enthusiasm across religious communities. The festival embodies the message of Jesus Christ—love, compassion, and sacrifice.
The IRSC urges the authorities to ensure swift and impartial justice against the perpetrators of these acts of violence and to uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion for all citizens without fear or favour. The Council also calls upon people of all faiths to reaffirm the spirit of solidarity, mutual respect, and love—the shared moral foundation of all religions—through dialogue and lawful means, rejecting both violence and coercion in favour of genuine understanding.
Prabhu Keshav Chandra Das, Convenor of IRSC
Irfan Engineer, Co-Convenor of IRSC
6th January 2026