Orthodox Church Head Criticizes RSS Over Attacks on Christians, Says Hindus and Christians are Settlers in India
Kottayam: Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the head of the Orthodox Church, has strongly criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the administrative machinery for their perceived role in the increasing attacks against Christians in North India. He voiced his concerns during a program held at St. Mary’s Orthodox Church in Panayambala.
The Catholicos asserted that it is an undeniable fact that RSS-affiliated organizations, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, are actively targeting Christians and other religious minorities. He highlighted a concerning pattern, stating, “After nuns, priests are now being targeted. Christmas celebrations outside churches are being disrupted, and there is a fear that attacks might even occur inside churches.” This was reported by Mathrubhumi.
Baselios Marthoma Mathews III emphasized that it is the paramount responsibility of those in power to curb the activities of religious extremists. He firmly stated that religious freedom is a fundamental right that cannot be denied to any individual. He further added, “When rulers remain silent and fail to condemn such actions, Christians can only interpret this as part of their agenda. Everyone knows that silence is tantamount to acceptance.”
Addressing the narrative promoted by the attackers, the Catholicos noted, “The attackers claim that there should be no foreign religions in India. In the US, Donald Trump often uses the slogan ‘America for Americans.’ This is a similar campaign.” Following his speech, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar and his team met with the Catholicos. The BJP later clarified that this meeting was pre-arranged.
In a significant statement, the Catholicos further elaborated on the historical presence of various communities in India, asserting that Hindus themselves are people who migrated and settled in the country. “The RSS says foreigners should not be allowed here. How wrong this is. Before Christ, in 2000 BC, Aryans migrated here from Iran. After establishing Brahminical worship practices, Hinduism emerged. There is no Aryan or Hindu born and raised in India; everyone came from the Iranian region,” he stated. He also pointed out that the Indus Valley Civilization existed earlier, formed by the Dravidians in 4000 BC, and they too were not originally from this land.
“Christians have been living here since AD 52. We are citizens of this country. There are no Christians here from Israel or Arab countries. We are from this land. The same applies to Muslims. To say that foreigners should leave the country is ignorance. When a governing body celebrates that ignorance, minorities will be marginalized,” he explained. The Catholicos concluded with a stern warning, “If the RSS slogan is ‘India for Hindus,’ it will not succeed here. Christians have no hesitation in becoming martyrs for this cause.”