Christianity in India: Facts & Statistics

How Did the Light of Christ First Arrive in India, and What Are Our Ancient Roots?

In the great story of our faith, there is a chapter that begins not in the West, but in the East. It is a story of courage, of a long journey over treacherous seas, and of a seed of faith planted in the rich spiritual soil of India. Long before the Gospel reached the shores of many European nations, the light of Christ was already shining in the Indian subcontinent.¹ This is our story, the story of a faith that is not a colonial import or a foreign relic, but an ancient and integral part of India’s soul, a heritage that stretches back two millennia to the time of the Apostles themselves.

The Apostolic Mission of St. Thomas

The heart of our Christian story in India beats with a sacred and cherished tradition: the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve chosen disciples of Jesus Christ. Tradition holds that in the year 52 AD, less than two decades after our Lord’s resurrection and ascension, St. Thomas sailed to the Malabar Coast, landing at the bustling port of Muziris, near modern-day Kodungallur in Kerala.¹ This singular act of apostolic mission makes the Church in India one of the oldest Christian communities in the entire world, founded in the very age of the Apostles.¹

This journey, so powerful in its spiritual significance, was also grounded in the realities of the first-century world. St. Thomas, an Aramaic-speaking Jew from Galilee, was likely drawn to India by the presence of established Jewish communities that had settled in Kerala even before the birth of Christ.² The sea trade routes between the Roman Empire and India were well-traveled, making the voyage of an apostle to this land not only spiritually guided but historically plausible.⁶ He came in search of his fellow Jews, and in doing so, brought the message of the Messiah to a new land.

The fruits of his labor were the establishment of what are known as the Ēḻarappaḷḷikaḷ, or the seven and a half churches. These first communities of faith were founded in key locations across Kerala, including Kodungallur, Palayoor, Kottakavu, and Niranam.³ Tradition tells us that among his first converts were members of respected Brahmin families, whose descendants remain a part of the Christian community to this day—a living testament to the enduring power of that first apostolic witness.¹

Martyrdom and Legacy

After years of tireless evangelism on the western coast, the Apostle’s journey took him eastward to the Coromandel Coast, in what is now Tamil Nadu. It was there, near Mylapore in modern-day Chennai, that his earthly mission came to a heroic end. In 72 AD, St. Thomas was martyred for his faith, sealing his testimony with his own blood.¹ His tomb, now enshrined within the magnificent San Thome Basilica, remains a hallowed site of pilgrimage, drawing faithful Christians from across India and around the world to honor the Apostle to India.⁸

This sacred tradition is supported by a wealth of historical evidence. The 3rd-century Syriac text, the Acts of Thomas, provides an early written account of his mission in India. Early Church Fathers, such as St. Ephrem in the 4th century, wrote of the Apostle’s martyrdom in India and the subsequent transfer of some of his relics to Edessa.⁶ While scholars may debate the finer details of these ancient texts, the powerful convergence of strong oral traditions, liturgical practices, and written accounts from different parts of the world creates a compelling narrative. As India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, once observed, those Indian Christians who trace their faith back to St. Thomas have a Christian history far longer than that of many European nations.¹

This apostolic origin is the bedrock of Christian identity in India. It establishes our faith not as a product of a later era, but as an ancient, indigenous spiritual path that has been woven into the nation’s fabric for two thousand years. In a time when some voices seek to label Christianity as “foreign,” this history is our anchor.⁸ It is a powerful truth that our roots in this land are as deep and as authentic as any other. It affirms our sense of belonging and our God-given right to practice our faith freely in the land that the Apostle Thomas himself consecrated with his ministry and his life.

The Early Community: The Nazranis

The first followers of Christ in India came to be known as Nazranis or Nasrani Mappila, a name derived from Nazareth, the town of our Lord.⁵ This community, also called the St. Thomas Christians, forged a unique and beautiful identity that has been passed down through generations: they were, as the saying goes, “Indian in culture, Christian in faith, and Syrian in liturgy”.⁵

Their liturgical life was connected to the great theological centers of the East, specifically the Church of the East, and they used the ancient East Syriac rite in their worship. This connection was firmly established by the 6th century AD and was strengthened over time, notably by the arrival of a Syrian Christian merchant, Thomas of Cana, in the 4th century, who brought a group of 72 families from Mesopotamia to Kerala, further enriching the community.²

The story of these early Nazranis offers a powerful lesson for us today. For centuries, they lived in harmony with their neighbors, assimilating local customs and practices while holding fast to the Gospel.¹ They became a prosperous, respected, and integral part of the social landscape, demonstrating that one could be authentically Christian and authentically Indian. This history provides a hope-filled model of how faith and culture can enrich one another, a powerful message for all of us as we navigate what it means to be followers of Christ in India today.

How Many Brothers and Sisters in Christ Are There in India Today?

Understanding the size and scope of our Christian family in India is a source of great encouragement. Although we may feel like a small flock in a vast nation, the numbers tell a story of a major, resilient, and enduring community of faith.

The Official Numbers: A Foundation of Truth

The most widely cited and official figures come from the 2011 Census of India. According to this census, the Christian community in India numbers 2.⁷⁸ crore, or 27.⁸ million people.¹⁵ This makes up

2.3% of India’s total population.²

It is important to place these numbers in their proper context. While 2.3% may seem like a small fraction, it firmly establishes Christianity as the third-largest religious community in the nation, after Hinduism (79.8%) and Islam (14.2%).² in terms of sheer numbers, the Christian population of India is immense. There are more Christians in India than the entire population of many countries, including Australia or Greece, making our community a major and globally major part of the worldwide body of Christ.⁸ This understanding can transform our perspective from feeling like a small and vulnerable minority to recognizing ourselves as a vast and vibrant family of believers with a substantial presence in our nation.

Growth and Stability: A Story of Faithfulness

The census data also tells a story of faithfulness and endurance. Between the 2001 and 2011 censuses, the Christian population grew by a healthy 15.5%.¹⁵ More importantly, research shows that the Christian share of India’s population has remained remarkably stable for over 70 years, consistently hovering between 2.3% and 2.6% since the first census in 1951.¹⁸ This stability is a powerful testament to the deep roots and resilience of our faith community through many decades of change.

This factual stability stands in stark contrast to the often-heard political narrative that alleges widespread, aggressive conversions are altering the demographic landscape of India.²⁰ The data simply does not support this fear. In fact, a comprehensive 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center found that religious switching of any kind is rare in India. It found that only 0.4% of Indian adults are converts to Christianity, a number that is almost perfectly balanced by the 0.3% who were raised Christian but no longer identify as such.¹⁹ The same study revealed that an overwhelming

94% of people who were raised Christian remain Christian as adults, a powerful indicator of the strength of faith passed down through our families and churches.¹⁹ This equips us with the truth to counter false narratives; the presence of the Church is not a demographic threat but a stable and enduring part of India’s diverse society.

Looking Beyond the Census: Are There More of Us?

Although the official numbers provide a solid foundation, many in our community have a pastoral sense that the family of God in India may be even larger than the census can count. This feeling is supported by the reality of “crypto-Christians”—beloved brothers and sisters who, for various reasons, may not publicly declare their faith. Some may fear persecution, social ostracism, or the loss of government benefits that are denied to Christians from Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe backgrounds.²

This is not just a feeling; some independent research organizations also suggest that the number of Christians in India might be underreported. Sources like the World Religion Database and the global ministry Open Doors have provided higher estimates, suggesting the Christian population could be closer to 4.8% or 5% of the total, which would mean a community of over 70 million believers.²³ Although we may never know the exact number on this side of eternity, we can take heart. These figures remind us that the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be confined to statistics. Many hearts have been touched by the love of Christ in ways that official surveys cannot capture, and our family in faith is likely larger and more widespread than we can imagine.

Where in India Does the Christian Community Flourish the Most?

The Christian faith in India is not spread evenly across the country but is concentrated in specific regions where its roots run deep and its witness is particularly strong. The story of our community’s geography is a tale of two distinct and vibrant centers of faith: the ancient Christian heartlands of the South and the dynamic, tribal-majority states of the Northeast.

Our Southern Heartlands

South India is the historical cradle of Christianity in our nation, where the faith first took root through the ministry of St. Thomas. Today, it remains home to the largest number of believers. Nearly two-thirds (around 65%) of all Indian Christians reside in the southern states.²

• Kerala: As the landing place of St. Thomas, Kerala is the epicenter of Indian Christianity. It has the largest Christian population of any state in absolute numbers, with 6.¹ million faithful. This vibrant community makes up a major 18.4% of the state’s total population.²
• Tamil Nadu: Our neighboring state of Tamil Nadu is home to the second-largest Christian community, with 4.⁴ million believers. Here, the faith has seen major growth in numbers, and the tomb of St. Thomas in Chennai continues to be a powerful spiritual center.¹⁸
• Goa: With its unique Christian heritage shaped by centuries of Portuguese influence, Goa has a prominent Christian identity. Although no longer a Christian majority as it was in the 19th century, believers still constitute a substantial 25.1% of the state’s population, and its beautiful churches and vibrant Catholic festivals are a cherished part of India’s cultural landscape.¹⁸

The Vibrant Faith of the Northeast

Although the South holds our ancient roots, the Northeast tells a powerful story of how the Gospel has transformed entire communities in more recent times. In this region, Christianity is not a minority faith; in several states, it is the cherished religion of the majority, particularly among the proud tribal peoples who have embraced the message of Christ with incredible zeal.²

• Nagaland: This state stands as a powerful testament to the power of faith, with an overwhelming 87.9% of its population being Christian.²
• Mizoram: Similarly, Mizoram is a land where Christian values shape public life, with 87.2% of the people following Christ.²
• Meghalaya: In Meghalaya, the “abode of clouds,” the light of Christ shines brightly, with 74.6% of the population identifying as Christian.²
• Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh: In these states, the Christian community is the largest single religious group, forming a plurality of 41.3% and 30.3% respectively. The faith here is dynamic and growing, a source of hope and strength for the people.²

The “Tribal Belt” and Scattered Communities

Beyond these two major centers, the faith has also taken root in the “tribal belt” that stretches across central India, in states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, where the Gospel has brought hope and dignity to Adivasi communities.²⁸ In other parts of India, Christians are more scattered. Yet, even where we are a tiny percentage of the population, our presence is major. In West Bengal, for example, Christians number over half a million, contributing to the life of the state.³⁰

The geography of our faith is deeply intertwined with the story of God’s heart for the marginalized. The Gospel message of equality, dignity, and love has resonated most powerfully with communities that have historically faced oppression, such as the Dalits and the tribal peoples of the Northeast and central India.²² The map of Indian Christianity is, in many ways, a map of social and spiritual liberation. It is a beautiful fulfillment of the biblical promise that God lifts up the humble and gives good news to the poor, a truth that should fill our hearts with gratitude and purpose.

Source: 2011 Census of India 2

What Does the Beautiful Diversity of Our Christian Family in India Look Like?

The family of God in India is not a monolith; it is a stunningly beautiful and diverse story woven from many different threads of history, tradition, and worship. There is no single majority denomination, which is a testament to the many ways the Holy Spirit has moved across our land.²² This diversity is not a sign of division, but a reflection of the richness of our shared heritage in Christ.

The Catholic Church: The Largest Single Community

The Catholic Church stands as the largest single Christian body in India, with a faithful community numbering between 17 and 23 million people, depending on the source and year of the estimate.²⁸ What makes the Catholic presence so unique is its own internal diversity, comprising three distinct and ancient rites:

• The Latin Rite: This is the largest community within the Catholic Church in India, with its heritage tracing back to the arrival of Western missionaries, particularly from Portugal, beginning in the 16th century. It is a vibrant church with 132 dioceses across the country.²
• The Syro-Malabar Church: This ancient Eastern Catholic Church is a direct spiritual descendant of the St. Thomas Christians. It is a source of great pride that the Syro-Malabar Church is the second-largest Eastern Catholic Church in the entire world, with a global community of around 4.⁵ million faithful.³⁷
• The Syro-Malankara Catholic Church: Also born from the St. Thomas Christian tradition, this Eastern Catholic Church is another precious gem in our Indian Christian crown, with a community of about half a million members.⁴⁰

The Protestant Family: A Story of Union and Growth

The Protestant family in India is a dynamic and growing community, with estimates of its size ranging from 11 to 20 million believers.²⁸ Its story in India is marked by a powerful spirit of ecumenism and a desire for unity.

• The Church of South India (CSI) and Church of North India (CNI): These two churches represent one of the greatest stories of Christian unity in the 20th century, not just in India but globally. The CSI, formed in 1947, was a historic and pioneering union of Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist traditions. It is now the second-largest church in India, with around 4.⁵ million members.² Following its example, the 

  CNI was formed in 1970, bringing together six different denominations. It has a strong presence in the North with about 2 million members.⁴⁴ In a country often marked by division, these united churches stand as a powerful witness to the prayer of our Lord “that they may all be one” (John 17:21).

• Other Major Protestant Groups: Beyond these united churches, the Protestant family is blessed with many other vibrant communities. Baptists have a particularly strong presence, especially in the Northeast, with a community of around 3 million.⁸ 

  Pentecostalism is one of the most rapidly growing movements, spreading with great zeal in both North and South India. Indigenous denominations like the India Pentecostal Church of God (IPC) are flourishing.⁴¹ We are also blessed by the faithful witness of

  Lutheran, Methodist, and Brethren communities, each numbering in the hundreds of thousands or more.¹⁸

The Orthodox Tradition: Ancient and Steadfast

We must also honor our brothers and sisters in the Oriental Orthodox churches, such as the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church.⁴ Like the Eastern Catholic churches, they too trace their lineage directly back to St. Thomas and preserve some of the most ancient liturgical traditions in all of Christendom, connecting us to the earliest centuries of our faith.

This rich denominational landscape reflects the entire history of Christianity itself. Our family in India has ancient, pre-colonial roots in the Middle East (the Syriac traditions), deep connections to the history of the universal Church through European missions (Catholic and Protestant), and vibrant, modern movements that were born and nurtured on Indian soil (indigenous Pentecostalism). This shows that our faith is not a monolithic import from one place, but a dynamic confluence of global history and local adaptation, making it both universally Christian and uniquely Indian.

Sources: 8

How Has Our Faith Been a Blessing to the Nation of India?

Our Lord Jesus called his followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” a people whose good deeds would bring glory to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16). The story of the Christian community in India is a beautiful testimony to this calling. Though small in number, our community’s contribution to the building of the Indian nation has been immense, a legacy of selfless service offered to all people, regardless of caste or creed, as a living witness to the love of Christ.⁴⁷

Pioneers in Education for All

One of the greatest gifts the Christian community has given to India is in the field of education. Christian missionaries were pioneers, introducing the modern educational system not merely as a tool for evangelism, but as a means to uplift and empower all of society.² They established some of the very first schools, colleges, and universities in many parts of the country.⁸

This work was, in its time, a radical act of social justice. In a society where education was often the privilege of a few, Christian institutions threw open their doors to those who had been denied the chance to learn for centuries, especially women, Dalits, and tribal communities.²⁹ This commitment to educating the marginalized has had a transformative effect on our nation. The legacy of this service is visible today in some of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, such as St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and Loyola College in Chennai, which were founded by Christian missions and continue to set a standard of excellence.⁸

The sheer scale of this contribution is breathtaking. A 2020 report noted the existence of over 54,000 Christian schools in India.⁴⁹ The Catholic Church alone runs thousands of educational institutions 50, Although the Church of South India manages over 2,000 schools and 38 colleges 43, and the Church of North India runs another 250 institutions.⁴⁴ The long-term impact of this service is clear: academic studies have shown that the historical presence of Christian missions is strongly linked to higher literacy rates today, particularly for women and lower-caste communities.²⁹ It is a source of quiet pride that, as a community, Christians have the second-highest literacy rate among all religious groups in India.¹⁶

Foundations of Modern Healthcare

In the same spirit of service, Christian missions were instrumental in bringing modern, scientific medicine to the common people of India.⁵² At a time when healthcare was scarce and often inaccessible to the poor, our spiritual forefathers and foremothers built hospitals and dispensaries in the most remote areas, seeing the healing of the body as an integral part of their witness to the love of Christ.⁵²

This legacy is embodied in the heroic stories of pioneers like Dr. Ida Scudder, whose roadside clinic for women grew into the world-renowned Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, and Dr. Edith Brown, who founded a similar institution in Ludhiana.⁵³ These great hospitals, and many others like them, are monuments of compassion that serve millions of people every year.

Christians played a foundational role in establishing the modern nursing profession in India. They lovingly and patiently overcame deep-seated cultural and caste-based prejudices to train a new generation of Indian nurses, especially women, instilling in them an ethos of selfless service and devotion.⁵⁴ The “Kerala phenomenon,” where the high value placed on female education by the Christian community led to a great number of women from the state becoming nurses serving across India and the world, is a powerful example of this legacy.⁵⁴

Today, this network of care continues to be a vital part of India’s healthcare system. The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) network alone serves over 21 million patients annually, Although the Protestant-affiliated Christian Medical Association of India (CMAI) includes hundreds of hospitals and thousands of dedicated health professionals.⁵⁵ These faith-based organizations are a lifeline for the poor, filling critical gaps in the public system and providing affordable, compassionate care to those who need it most.⁵⁵ This service is a living Gospel, a tangible expression of our faith that demonstrates the love of the Great Physician, Jesus Christ.

What Is the Catholic Church’s Vision for Its Flock in India?

As the largest single Christian community in our nation, the Catholic Church in India has a deep and prayerfully considered vision for its life and mission. This vision, articulated through the statements and pastoral plans of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), which represents all three Catholic rites, is one of a vibrant, participatory, and justice-oriented Church that is deeply engaged in the life of the nation.

Core Identity: A “Communion of Communities”

At the heart of the Catholic vision for India is the dream of being a “communion of communities”.⁵⁶ This is a pastoral shift away from the model of large, often anonymous parishes, towards the creation and nurturing of

Small Christian Communities (SCCs).⁵⁶ These small, neighborhood-based groups are seen as the fundamental structure of the Church.

The goal is to build these communities on the twin pillars of the Word of God and the Eucharist. In these SCCs, the faithful can foster genuine human bonds, study the scriptures together, pray for one another, and plan ways to serve their local communities. This vision empowers all the people of God—bishops, priests, religious sisters and brothers, and lay men and women—to become active disciples who share responsibility for the Church’s mission.⁴⁷ It is a vision for a Church where every member feels they belong and has a role to play.

The Mission of Evangelization and Service

The Church understands evangelization as its most essential duty: “to bring the Good News of Jesus into all areas of humanity and through its impact to transform society from within”.⁴⁷ This mission has two inseparable dimensions. The first is proclamation—the joyful sharing of the Christian faith with the intention of calling people to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior. The second is service—the tangible expression of Christ’s love through the Church’s vast network of educational, healthcare, and social upliftment ministries.⁴⁷

The bishops teach that this mission must be carried out through a life of holiness, because “a fire can only be lit by something that is on fire itself”.⁴⁷ It also requires a deep respect for Indian culture, seeking to incarnate the message of Christ in ways that resonate with the heart of the people. The thousands of schools and hospitals run by the Church are not seen as separate from this mission, but as a core part of its evangelizing role, serving all people without distinction and bearing witness to the Gospel values of compassion, justice, and love.⁴⁷

A Church for the Poor and Marginalized

A powerful and consistent theme in the Catholic Church’s vision is its powerful commitment to social justice and its desire to be a “Church of the Poor”.⁵⁸ In their official statements, the bishops express a deep solidarity with the struggles of the Indian people and a yearning for a nation that lives up to its founding ideals of justice, liberty, and equality for all.⁵⁸

The Church’s leadership has chosen to be a prophetic voice, speaking out clearly against the “betrayal of the poor and marginalized, the tribals, dalits and other backward classes”.⁵⁸ There is a special commitment to fighting for the rights of Dalit Christians, who suffer the double pain of caste discrimination in society and the denial of government benefits afforded to Dalits of other faiths. This resolve to stand with the oppressed is not a political strategy, but a spiritual imperative, rooted in the belief that the “experience of God will lead us to involvement in and solidarity with the marginalized”.⁵⁸

The Pastoral Plan “Mission 2033”: A Synodal Journey

This vision has been given fresh impetus through the Church’s latest major initiative: a new National Pastoral Plan titled “Journeying towards a Synodal Church: Mission 2033”.⁵⁹ This plan is the fruit of an unprecedented, year-long process of listening and discernment, involving over 5,000 Catholics from all walks of life across India. Together, they sought to answer the fundamental question: “Where is God calling the Church to be by 2033?”.⁵⁹

The guiding principles of this new plan are Communion, Participation, and Mission. This reflects the global Catholic Church’s move towards becoming more “synodal”—a Church that walks together, with clergy and laity collaborating in a spirit of shared responsibility for its mission.⁵⁹ This plan is a roadmap for the future, calling every Catholic in India to “cut through its comfort zones and take new directions” to live out their faith with renewed vigor and unity.⁶²

What Trials and Persecution Are Our Brothers and Sisters Facing Today?

As we celebrate the deep roots and vibrant life of our faith in India, we must also walk with solemn solidarity alongside our brothers and sisters who are facing trials and persecution. It is a painful reality that in many parts of our country, following Christ comes at a great cost. Yet, in this suffering, we are called not to despair, but to a deeper faith, a more fervent prayer, and a courageous witness, trusting in the promise of our Lord, who said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

The Rising Tide of Violence

The evidence is clear and heartbreaking: in recent years, there has been a dramatic and alarming increase in violence against the Christian community. Reports from respected monitoring groups like the United Christian Forum (UCF) and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) paint a sobering picture.⁶³

• The United Christian Forum documented 731 violent incidents against Christians in 2023. This is a staggering increase from 599 incidents in 2022, and a more than five-fold jump from the 147 incidents recorded in 2014.²⁴
• Another report from the EFI cited 840 incidents in 2024, which means that on an average day, at least two of our churches or communities face an attack somewhere in India.⁶⁴
• This wave of hostility is widespread. While states like Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have become hotspots for persecution, incidents have been recorded in at least 21 states across the nation.²⁴

Source: United Christian Forum (UCF), Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI)²⁴

The Ideological Roots of Hostility

This rising tide of violence is not random. It is fueled by a political ideology known as Hindutva, or Hindu nationalism, which is promoted by a network of extremist organizations.⁶⁸ This ideology falsely and dangerously claims that to be truly Indian, one must be Hindu. It views other faiths, especially Christianity and Islam, as “foreign” and seeks to “cleanse” the nation of their presence.²⁰

This narrative deliberately targets Christians with false propaganda, accusing them of destroying Indian culture and using their schools and hospitals as a deceptive means for “forced conversions”.¹⁴ This hateful rhetoric incites fear and suspicion, creating a climate where violence against our community is seen by some as justified.

The Weaponization of the Law

One of the most insidious tools used to persecute Christians today is the misuse of state-level “Freedom of Religion Acts,” more commonly known as anti-conversion laws.²⁵ These laws, which are now in force in about 12 states, are presented as measures to prevent conversions through “force, fraud, or allurement.” In practice, But their vague and broad definitions are weaponized to harass and intimidate our community.⁸

Under these laws, the most innocent acts of Christian charity and witness can be twisted into crimes. Praying for a sick person, holding a prayer meeting in a home, distributing Bibles, or even running a children’s program can be reported as an illegal “allurement”.⁷² Pastors and lay believers are frequently arrested on the basis of false accusations, often made by extremist mobs. In a grave injustice, the burden of proof is often placed on the accused Christians, who must somehow prove their innocence.⁶⁴

The Many Faces of Persecution

The suffering of our community takes many forms:

• Mob Violence: Extremist mobs frequently storm peaceful worship services, attacking pastors and believers, often with brutal force.⁷⁴
• Destruction of Holy Places: Our churches, schools, and homes are being vandalized and burned down. The tragic violence in Manipur in 2023, where hundreds of churches were desecrated and destroyed, is a painful and recent example of this.²⁴
• Physical and Sexual Violence: Believers face beatings, and in the most tragic cases, murder. Women are particularly vulnerable to sexual assault, a heinous tactic used to shame and terrorize families and communities.²⁵
• Social Boycott: In many villages, those who convert to Christianity are treated as outcasts. They are excommunicated from their communities, denied access to village wells and other common resources, and sometimes, in a final act of cruelty, even denied the right to bury their dead with Christian rituals.⁶⁵
• State Inaction and Complicity: Perhaps most distressingly, the authorities who are meant to protect all citizens often fail to act. There are numerous reports of police standing by while mobs attack Christians, or even worse, arresting the Christian victims on false charges while allowing the attackers to go free.⁶³

This reality, where the law is used as a sword rather than a shield, creates a pervasive atmosphere of fear. It is a powerful injustice when our brothers and sisters cannot rely on the rule of law for protection. It is for them, and for the soul of our nation, that we must raise our voices in prayer and advocacy.

How Does Our Faith Shine Through in Our Unique Indian Culture?

In the face of narratives that seek to portray our faith as “foreign,” it is more important than ever to celebrate the beautiful and powerful ways in which Christianity has become truly Indian.¹⁴ Our faith is not a Western import; it is an ancient religion that has been breathing Indian air, speaking Indian languages, and singing Indian melodies for two millennia. The story of Christianity in India is a magnificent example of how the universal truth of the Gospel can take root and blossom in a local culture, creating a faith that is both fully Christian and fully Indian.¹²

The Sacred Process of Inculturation

This beautiful blending of faith and culture is known as inculturation. It is the process by which the Gospel message enters a culture, honors what is good and true within it, and expresses itself through local traditions, symbols, and languages.⁷⁶ This is not about compromising our faith, but about allowing it to speak in a voice that can be understood and embraced by the people of a particular land.

The St. Thomas Christians of Kerala are the earliest and most powerful example of this process. For centuries, they lived as an integral part of their society, adopting many local customs while holding fast to their Christian faith.¹ This deep integration allowed them to be seen not as followers of a foreign creed, but as a respected and cherished community within the diverse spiritual landscape of India.

Expressions of an Indian Christian Identity

Today, this vibrant inculturation is visible all around us, in the many ways our community expresses its love for Christ:

• Worship and Music: In many of our churches, the timeless message of the Gospel is carried on the melodies of Indian instruments like the tabla and harmonium. We sing bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs) that praise the name of Jesus in our own musical idioms. In some Christian ashrams, the holy Mass even begins with the sacred sound “Om,” recognized as a symbol of the divine in Indian thought.²⁸
• Festivals and Customs: Our communities joyfully participate in the cultural life of our nation. Many Christians celebrate Indian festivals like Diwali with lights and sweets, seeing it as a celebration of the victory of light over darkness, a theme that resonates deeply with our faith.⁸ Our wedding ceremonies often blend biblical principles with beautiful Indian traditions. A Christian bride may wear a vibrant red sari, the color of celebration in India, instead of white, which is traditionally a color of mourning.⁷⁷
• Art and Architecture: Our churches are not mere copies of Western cathedrals. Many incorporate distinctly Indian architectural styles and artistic motifs, creating sacred spaces that feel both holy and deeply connected to our homeland.⁸
• Theology and Thought: Our theologians and thinkers have long sought to understand and express the powerful truths of our faith using the rich philosophical concepts and categories of Indian thought, making the Gospel more accessible and resonant for our people.⁷⁶

This process of inculturation is a vital part of our witness. By expressing our faith in authentically Indian ways, we directly counter the false narrative that to be a Christian is to be less Indian. It builds a bridge of understanding to our neighbors and shows that embracing Christ does not mean rejecting our precious cultural heritage.

The Pastoral Challenge of Syncretism

This deep engagement with culture also presents a pastoral challenge: we must be careful to distinguish between healthy inculturation and syncretism, which is the mixing of beliefs and practices that are not compatible with the Gospel.⁸ A comprehensive survey by the Pew Research Center found that a number of Indian Christians hold beliefs that are more rooted in other Indian religious traditions than in the Bible. For example, 54% said they believe in karma, 29% in reincarnation, and 32% in the purifying power of the Ganges river.⁸

We should approach this finding not with judgment, but with pastoral love and a commitment to deeper discipleship. It reminds us that all of us, living in a spiritually diverse land, are on a journey of faith. It highlights the crucial role of our churches and pastors in teaching the beautiful uniqueness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, helping all believers to grow in their understanding and live lives that are fully submitted to Him, while still being confidently rooted in their Indian identity.

What Are the Powerful Stories of Faith and Courage from Our Community?

Beyond the statistics and the historical facts, the true story of Christianity in India is written in the lives of its people. It is in the powerful, personal testimonies of our brothers and sisters that we see the facts of our faith come alive. These stories of miraculous conversion, courageous witness, and costly discipleship are the heart of our community, offering powerful inspiration and encouragement for our own journey of faith.

Stories of Miraculous Conversion and Healing

In countless villages and cities across India, the journey to faith often begins with a powerful experience of God’s healing and delivering power. In moments of desperation, when all other hope is lost, people are encountering the living Christ.

• Consider the story of Jaya, a man who grew up in the home of a Hindu priest. He was so tormented by a demonic presence that he decided to end his own life. But as he stood on a bridge, ready to jump, he had a vision of a man dressed as a shepherd who told him to go to a church. He obeyed, and in the he found complete deliverance and a new life in Christ.⁷⁸
• Or think of Laxman, a devout Hindu man who watched his wife suffer from a terrible illness. After trying everything, he reluctantly allowed Christians to pray for her. When she was miraculously healed, Laxman’s heart was opened. He came to believe in the God who answers prayer and now leads a congregation, his own ministry blessed with the gift of healing.⁷⁹
• Raman’s story is also a testament to God’s healing touch. As a boy, he was afflicted by a mysterious illness and tormented by evil voices, to the point where he was chained up for his own safety. When his mother took him to a Christians prayed for him, and he was completely healed. Years later, after surviving a near-fatal accident through the prayers of the faithful, Raman fully committed his life to Jesus and is now a pastor, determined to plant 100 new churches.⁸⁰

These stories reveal a powerful truth about the spread of the Gospel at the grassroots level in India. It is often not abstract theological arguments but the tangible, lived experience of God’s power to heal and restore in times of desperate need that opens hearts to the message of Jesus.

Stories of Faithfulness Amidst Persecution

To choose Christ in many parts of India today is to choose a path of suffering. Yet, in the face of persecution, the faith of our brothers and sisters is not being extinguished; it is being refined like gold in the fire.

• Pastor Solomon, the son of a Hindu priest, found Jesus after his father’s tragic suicide. As a pastor himself, he has been beaten and threatened by extremists who demand he leave his village. Yet, he lovingly persists in his ministry, refusing to abandon the flock God has given him.⁷⁸
• Mehr, a young woman in her twenties, was brutally attacked by a mob for her faith. When she reached the hospital, she was denied proper treatment because she was a Christian. Despite this unimaginable trauma, her faith remains unshaken. She prays for her persecutors and believes that God will use her testimony for His glory.⁸¹
• Sameera found peace from her illness and abusive home life in the joy of the church. When her husband and community turned on her, she was forced to leave her home with her two young sons. With nothing but her faith, she trusted God. He provided for her, and today she is a full-time evangelist and a known prayer warrior in her community.⁸²

Stories of Costly Discipleship

The decision to follow Jesus sometimes requires the ultimate sacrifice, forcing believers to choose between Christ and the comfort of family and home.

• Sati, a woman who grew up in a Hindu family, found peace in Christ after attending church with her friends. Her new faith was not accepted by her village. The village council gave her an ultimatum: renounce Jesus or be banished. With her daughter by her side, Sati chose Christ. She was forced to leave her village, her home, and even her husband and sons, who stayed behind. Though she misses her family dearly, she says, “I am at peace because I know the True and Living God”.⁸³
• The story of the Purty family is one of almost unbearable pain and incredible perseverance. Pastor Chamu Hassa Purty was murdered in his home by extremists. Years later, the gunmen returned, seeking to silence the family’s continuing Christian witness. They found his daughter, Neelam, and shot her, leaving her severely wounded. Their story is a stark reminder of the violent reality many face.⁸⁴

These stories, though filled with pain, are also filled with a powerful hope. They show that where persecution is fiercest, the faith of the Church often grows strongest.⁷⁸ The high cost of discipleship means that the decision to follow Christ is never made lightly. It forges a community of believers with a resilient, tested, and powerful faith that the forces of this world cannot overcome.

How Can We, as a Community, Find Hope and Strength for the Journey Ahead?

As we have journeyed through the story of Christianity in India—its ancient roots, its vibrant diversity, its legacy of service, and its present trials—we are left with a powerful sense of gratitude and a call to hope. The path ahead may not be easy, but we do not walk it alone. We walk it together, as a community of faith, drawing strength from our rich heritage and trusting in the God who has been faithful to His people in India for two millennia.

Drawing Strength from Our Heritage

Finding Joy in Our Service

We can find great joy and purpose in our identity as a community that has been a powerful blessing to the nation of India. Our legacy of selfless service in education and healthcare, offered to all Indians without distinction, is a powerful witness to the love of Christ.⁴⁷ Let us continue to be “salt and light,” a source of healing and hope for our society. Our service is our witness.

Uniting in Our Diversity

In a world, and a nation, so often marked by division, the beautiful diversity of our Church is a gift. Our history of ecumenism, seen in the great united churches like the CSI and CNI, and our ongoing call to be a “communion of communities,” is a powerful testimony to the unifying love of Christ.⁴³ Our strength is not in uniformity, but in our unity in Christ. Our unity is our strength.

A Call to Prayer and Solidarity

The stories of persecution are a call to our knees. We must be a people of fervent prayer—praying for our brothers and sisters who are suffering, for their protection and perseverance. We must also pray, as our Lord taught us, for those who persecute us, that their hearts may be turned by the love of God. And we must stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable among us, especially new converts and those from marginalized communities who bear the heaviest cross of persecution.²⁵ Our prayer is our power.

Living as Pilgrims of Hope

Finally, let us look to the future with courage and unwavering hope. The powerful testimonies of faith from across our land show us that God is mightily at work. The Church in India is alive and vibrant. Our journey is that of “pilgrims of hope,” as the Catholic bishops have called us.⁶¹ Let us live out our faith with love, be peacemakers in our communities, engage our culture with confidence, and continue to be a source of healing for our beloved nation. For the God who began this good work in India through his Apostle Thomas will surely carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.