Unicaus NEWS
The Church’s official mouthpiece Deepika carried a strongly worded editorial on Wednesday, condemning what it described as a rise in violence against Christians in BJP-ruled States. Titled ‘Cow Dung Force-Feeders,’ the editorial referred to a recent incident in Odisha in which a Christian pastor was allegedly forced to consume cow dung during a prayer meeting.
‘Political will’
“A group of anti-national elements left the scene shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ after forcing the pastor to eat cow dung,” the editorial said. It also criticised the Centre for its silence, stating that such incidents could be prevented “within 24 hours” if there were political will. “While such incidents have not occurred in Kerala, heightened vigilance is essential,” the editorial added.
The editorial further alleged that anti-conversion laws enacted by BJP-led governments have emboldened Bajrang Dal activists, leading to the humiliation and assault of the pastor. “Poisonous rhetoric prepares communal minds. Those who claim they will prevent communalism in Kerala have failed to curb such hate speech elsewhere,” it noted.
Citing a report by the India Hate Lab, the editorial highlighted an increase in hate speech targeting Christians and Muslims, stating that 88% of such incidents were recorded in States governed by the BJP.
Church authorities said the recurring attacks in north India have caused widespread anxiety among the Catholic community in Kerala. A recent circular issued by Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malbar Church Mar Raphael Thattil, following the Church’s synod, also drew attention to the escalating violence against minorities. Church sources said such incidents have intensified fears about the safety and dignity of minority communities across the country.
Call to Church leadership
Fr. Suresh Mathew, a Catholic priest based in Punjab, described the Odisha incident as a hate crime rather than an isolated act of mob violence. “Forcing a human being to ingest something meant to degrade and dehumanise was intended to terrorise an entire community into silence. Such acts have no place in a civilised society governed by the rule of law,” he said.
He also called on Church leadership in Kerala to speak out more forcefully. “The Church is called not only to pastoral care but to its prophetic role — to speak truth in the face of injustice. Defending human dignity and constitutional freedom is not a political act but a moral obligation. The credibility of the Church’s witness depends on its courage to condemn injustice wherever it occurs,” Fr. Mathew added.
Published – January 21, 2026 07:45 pm IST
