Nirmala Carvalho

The High Court of Kerala struck down a provision in an 1869 law that required a separation period for married Christian couples to bring it in line with those of other religious communities. For Fr Babu Joseph, “Although the High Court is legally right,” its ruling will have “social repercussions” on marriage. The Church “will do everything possible to save it rather than let it fall apart.”

On 6 December 1992, the Babri mosque was destroyed by Hindu nationalists, who claimed the site as their own. This sparked a wave of violence that left 2,000 people dead. “Majoritarianism is today's rule,” said Fr Mathew. Christians are working to create an “environment of religious tolerance, peace, and communal harmony,” said Bishop of Lucknow Mathias.

The occupancy rate in Indian prisons is 130%, with the vast majority of prisoners awaiting trial. Mental suffering is on the rise: at least 150 suicides were recorded last year. An organisation run by Bishop Allwyn D'Silva helps prisoners by facilitating their rehabilitation.

Archbishop Netto, the prelate of Thiruvananthapuram, has been charged along with some of his priests by the police as the 'organiser' of the protests that erupted into violence after some Adani group trucks tried to force a blockade and enter the construction site. The local Church - which is calling for an independent investigation - stands by the fishermen against the project of a large international port of call that is likely to have a serious impact on the environment.

A local source told AsiaNews that strong pressure is being exerted on Christian communities. “Pray for us,” he asks. For Sajan K George of the Global Council of Indian Christians, this is happening all the time. “Police inertia encourages these right-wing extremists,” he laments. These same people then cry wolf about so-called forced conversions by Christians.

The authorities’ proposal of painting the walls of almost 8,000 classrooms with a colour associated with Hindutva is proving controversial. For the opposition, the state should be more concerned about the “More than 10 lakh (one million) children” out of school after the pandemic. Meanwhile, India’s central government unveiled the logo for next year’s G20, and it has more than a passing resemblance with the ruling party’s logo.

India’s highest court accepts to hear a petition filed by a lawyer with the ruling BJP, claiming that "forced" conversions are undermining religious freedom. As a result, the court asked the central government what action it plans to take to stop them. Hindu nationalists have long been pushing for national anti-conversion laws. “The Supreme Court has made a highly exaggerated statement,” the bishop of Lucknow told AsiaNews, “Existing provisions in the constitution are sufficient to take care of any aberrations,” he added, warning that false claims “cause hatred and violence.”

Heeding Pope Francis’s call, the mission of the Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel in Bidar marked the observance with widows, leprosy patients, and sweepers, who have been traditionally kept on the margins of society. For the Sisters’ superior, a helping hand is better than a handout.

Elected by the assembly of the Bishops’ Conference (CBCI) currently underway in Bengaluru, Syro-Malabar Archbishop of Thrissur replaces Card Oswald Gracias in alternation among different rites. Card Alencherry had announced that he was not available for reasons of age.

More than 200 prelates are meeting until next Friday to reflect on the ways to live synodality in a large country with 22 million Catholics. “Dialogue is not an option, but a necessity for the Church in India,” said Card Gracias. “The Church in India is aiming to be a builder of peace and bring people together”, starting with the last and marginalised.

A showcase for the local culture, world-famous fair in Ajmer District (Rajasthan) opened until 8 November. Activities include a march by representatives of different faiths. For Fr Cosmos Shakhawat, it is an important “symbol of communal harmony”.

Representatives of the various confessions together just a few days before the summit of heads of state and government. Indian Archbishop Felix Machado, among the Christian representatives present: "We have launched an appeal to forgive the wrong done, which is the highest form of dialogue".