Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: July 12, 2025
In John 10, Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd; one who guides, provides and cares for his flock – even laying down his life to rescue them.
Pray that Christians across India will be reassured by his presence today.
On 11 June a Christian wedding was violently disrupted in Raipur, Chhattisgarh State.
Initially, three villagers in their early twenties stormed the wedding venue and cut off the electricity supply. They declared that Christians were not allowed to hold celebrations in the village.
Then a group of around 30 villagers set the building on fire and vandalised vehicles.
Even women and children were targeted. The mob hurled verbal abuse at the women and tore their sarees. Children who tried to defend their mothers were pelted with stones.
After seeking refuge in a nearby house, they contacted the police, who escorted them to safety.
But the ordeal didn’t stop there.
The next day, the victims filed a complaint and registered a First Information Report (FIR), which is required for the police to open an investigation. However, the villagers registered their own First Information Report, falsely accusing the groom’s family of provoking the villagers.
The day after that, the head of the village council pressured the groom’s family to withdraw their report, and to refrain from holding any future events (including weddings, birthdays or funerals) in the village. Under threat of having their water supply cut off, the family agreed to comply with these demands.
Then after the meeting – adding injustice on top of injustice – a group of villagers attacked the groom’s brother, father, and a church member.
Five families fled to a neighbouring village and are afraid to return home. This creates a significant challenge, as their livestock and farmland are in their home village.
Please pray:
- That the displaced Christians will be able to return home safely, without fear or further attacks.
- That the Indian authorities will carry out a swift and impartial investigation into the attack, and that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
- For transformation in the hearts of the village authorities, that they would no longer ban Christians from holding events in their village.
- For the protection of all religious minorities in India, including Christians and Muslims, who are at risk of being attacked.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)