Violence against Christians in India has increased because of Hindu nationalism since Prime Minister Narendra Modi gained office in 2014. For example, David Curry of Global Christian Relief says the riots that began earlier this month in Manipur have already claimed the lives of at least 50 believers and displaced 23,000 others.
"They're living in shelters," reports Curry. "We've had at least 25 churches burned down. Now there's up to a hundred and some that have been at least attacked, many of them destroyed. It's a massive outbreak of violence."
Manipur, he notes, is only one example of Christians being targeted.
"The government wants to use a nationalistic agenda -- you're not really an Indian citizen unless you're Hindu -- as the wedge to force Christians out of the country," Curry continues. "They've made it public, but the violence now has gotten out of hand, and many times, it's vigilante justice. The government tries to distance themselves on it, but they're promoting it."
India has an international impact on trade, but other countries that respect the citizens' differing religious views are distancing themselves because of its political agenda, including against Christians.
"Friends don't let friends commit human rights abuses," Curry says, concluding that the international community needs to have that tone with India.
Meanwhile, his ministry invites believers support their persecuted family by donating audio Bibles for people in India who risk everything to follow Jesus.
