Christians in Hazaribag Diocese Protest Peacefully Against Violence, False Accusations

Hazaribag, Jharkhand, August 18, 2025 : A massive peaceful protest march was held in Hazaribag Diocese on 17 August 2025 at afternoon under the banner of the One in Christ Committee. The march brought together Christian denominations including Catholic, CNI, G.E.L., Assembly of God, Baptist, and other Pentecostal churches. Priests, pastors, sisters, catechists, students, health workers, leaders, and believers actively participated in the demonstration.

Reason for the Protest

The march was organised in response to increasing violence, harassment, and injustice faced by Christians, particularly priests, sisters, and minorities. The Catholic Archdiocese of Ranchi had earlier condemned a shocking incident in Durg, Chhattisgarh, on 25 July 2025, where two Catholic sisters—Sr. Prithi and Sr. Mary Francis—along with four Adivasi Christian youths, were falsely accused of religious conversion and human trafficking before being jailed.

Such episodes, the marchers stressed, highlight a disturbing pattern of atrocities in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and other regions of India. The Christian community in Jharkhand reminded authorities that silencing dissent undermines both religious freedom and the democratic fabric of the nation.

Route of the March

The protest began at the Cathedral Church, drawing nearly 1,000 participants. It proceeded through the city’s main chowks before reaching the Collectorate, where a memorandum was formally submitted to officials. The march concluded at the Cathedral Ashram Church ground.

Unity Beyond Denominations

The One in Christ Committee, comprising leaders from different Christian traditions, successfully mobilised communities from Hazaribag, Bokaro, and Chatra. The march was marked by silent prayers and placards bearing calls for justice, religious freedom, and the protection of human rights.

A Call for Justice

In their appeal, the united Christian community urged the Government, judiciary, and relevant authorities to:

• Protect minority rights enshrined in the Constitution.
• Uphold freedom of religion and expression.
• End false accusations and arrests of priests, sisters, and believers.

The peaceful protest demonstrated a spirit of unity and resilience. Participants declared that the Christian community of Jharkhand remains firmly committed to Gospel values of justice, peace, love, and brotherhood, even in the face of mounting challenges.

By Fr. Sameer Kerketta

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