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Persecution is Rising in India, but Christianity Standing Strong

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It's more dangerous now than ever before to be a Christian in India.

Open Doors has officially released its 2018 World Watch List, and India ranks number 11 out of the top 50 countries where Christian persecution is at its worst.

"Persecution of Christians is rising in India. More than ever before, the growth of radical Hinduism in the nation is fueling violent attacks, with even greater impunity for attackers as the government sides with radical groups," the organization wrote in its report.

Pastor Joseph D'Souza, who works tirelessly for human rights in India told CBN News Hindu extremists are spreading dangerous propaganda against Christians in the country.

"The propaganda that continues to go on which is absolutely not correct that Christians are involved in false and forced conversions. Nothing of that sort is happening," he explained.

"The propaganda that somehow Christians are working against India, against the interests of India by trying to be Christians, is propelling this. And a lack of control of these groups that seem to commit crimes and attack minorities with impunity," he continued.

D'Souza said radical Hindu extremists aren't just targeting India's Christians, but anyone who does not adhere to their ideology.

"It's not just related to the Christians. It's also related to the Muslims, Dalits, and now also Hindus," he said.

The situation is especially hard for Dalits -- people who rank the lowest in India's caste system and are considered "untouchable."

"India cannot continue with a caste system," D'Souza said. "While many Dalits have found freedom and dignity through Christian work and education and spiritual work, the problem is not over."

Despite the growing persecution of Muslims, Dalits, Hindus, and Christians, D'Souza said God is still at work in India.

"Persecution has never stopped the growth of the church. In fact, when we are attacked, when we are persecuted, we become stronger," he said. "They're standing strong and they're not recounting."

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About The Author

Emily
Jones

Emily Jones is a multi-media journalist for CBN News in Jerusalem. Before she moved to the Middle East in 2019, she spent years regularly traveling to the region to study the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, meet with government officials, and raise awareness about Christian persecution. During her college years, Emily served as president of Regent University's Christians United for Israel chapter and spoke alongside world leaders at numerous conferences and events. She is an active member of the Philos Project, an organization that seeks to promote positive Christian engagement with the Middle