Thousands of Christians Rally in Kolkata, Call for End to Persecution

KOLKATA, November 6, 2026: Thousands of Christians from across West Bengal and other parts of the country gathered in Kolkata on Thursday, November 5, for a six-kilometre prayer rally, calling for peace, religious freedom and an end to attacks on Christian communities and places of worship.

Organised by the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba (BCP), an interdenominational Christian forum, the rally brought together bishops, priests, religious sisters, pastors and laypeople from different Church traditions. It culminated in a public gathering at Rani Rashmoni Avenue in Esplanade.

The rally took place amid growing concerns over incidents of harassment of Christians, attacks on prayer gatherings, vandalism of churches and desecration of religious objects. Participants used the gathering to express solidarity and call for peaceful coexistence and respect for religious freedom.

According to the organisers, representatives of Episcopal and non-Episcopal Churches, national Christian organisations and delegations from 11 states joined the rally.

Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta, who had appealed to the faithful to participate, attended the gathering along with Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur and leaders of other Christian denominations.

Archbishop Frank delivered the keynote address, followed by Archbishop Joseph D’Souza, president of the All India Council and national convener of Churches of India. Pastors from the northeastern states and BCP representatives also addressed the gathering. Their speeches were interspersed with prayers and hymns.

Calling for unity and active participation in nation-building, Fr Sekar, parish priest of a church in Santragachi, said, “We are here to build our nation. Be united in heart and mind!”

Manju, a participant from Howrah district, called for an end to religious persecution, saying, “Let persecution end, let love prevail and let peace reign for all.”

Sr Catherine, a religious sister from Kolkata, asserted that Christians would continue to exercise their constitutional right to practise their faith.

“The power of risen Jesus is our strength. We are Indian citizens but we have the freedom to practise our faith which will not be given up whatever the price may be,” she said.

The rally concluded with a benediction, followed by the singing of the national anthem, marking the end of a gathering that sought to project Christian unity and reaffirm the community's commitment to peace, religious freedom and national harmony.

Archdiocesan Office of Social Communication, Information and Media,

Archdiocese of Calcutta