First vows of the “Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians” in Tinsukia.
» Christians face systematic, discreet and ongoing oppression. «
A project partner from the Indian state of Jharkhand
state of permanent tension and fear spontaneous violent attacks. Time and again, Christian churches have been vandalised and priests, religious and the faithful attacked. The prospects for a better future are poor for the local Christians and other religious minorities. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi won the parliamentary elections for the third time on 4 June 2024. The BJP’s aim is to establish India as a Hindu nation. In doing so, it radically follows the nationalist ideology of Hindutva, which in instrumentalising religion for political purposes, wants “Hindu identity” to be the country’s only true culture and religion.
ACN recognises the difficult situation of Christians in India and supports the local Church in its challenges. The priority regions for our aid are the north and north-east of the country. Many of the believers there belong to disadvantaged social groups and ethnic minorities. ACN primarily supports priests and religious in the region with Mass stipends and subsistence aid, provides vehicles for pastoral care in expansive areas that are difficult to reach, and helps with the construction and renovation of church buildings. In addition, we support the training of future priests and the continuing education of priests, religious and lay people. We also strengthen marriage preparation in the Church and provide catechesis for children and young people.
Seminarian at St Charles Seminary in Nagpur, Buxar.
A new place of worship for the Sontang community
Novice (right) from The Congregation of St Joseph of Cluny in north-east India.
The Parish of the Immaculate Conception in Moharpara is locat- ed in eastern India in the border region with Bangladesh, which is difficult to access. It compris- es 31 villages, one of which is Sontang. Until recently, there was
only a small chapel made of clay here, which was in a poor state of repair. With the help of ACN, a new church was built. Pastor Lyngdoh writes: “Your help is a great blessing for the people of Sontang.”
ACN Activity Report 2024 | 83 Asia/Oceania – India |
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