Vandalism in New Delhi targets Christians

Religious tension are brewing in New Delhi after fires gutted five Christian churches in the past two months. Kerosene-soaked concrete indicates arson.

“A clear pattern of orchestrated attacks is emerging,” said Archbishop Anil Couto of New Delhi.

Earlier this month, police arrested more than 200 Christians for protesting the attacks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who heads the Hindu nationalist party BJP, gave neither assent nor disapproval.

“If Mr. Modi would speak out, we would be comforted, we would know we have a prime minister who cares about us,” said Matthew Koyickal, chancellor of the Delhi Archdiocese.

Four out of five Indians identify as Hindu. Islam is the largest minority religion, comprising 15percent of the population, with Christians at 2.3 percent. Hindu nationalist parties deeply resent minority religions and dream of a Hindu nation. They accuse foreign proselytizers of luring Indians away from their true religion. The International Herald Tribune reported that radicals seduce non-Hindus into reconversions, or “homecomings,” with the extraordinary promise to upgrade their caste, or social class, if they comply.

“We will bring back those who have lost their way,” said Mohan Bhagwat, leader of the ideological wing of the BJP. “They did not go on their own.”

While visiting New Delhi last month, President Barack Obama called for tolerance.

“Every person has the right to practice their faith how they choose, or to practice no faith at all, and to do so free of persecution and fear and discrimination,” he said.

The presidential sentiment has gone largely unheeded by Hindu hardliners.