A Christmas feast hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a group of Christian priests and community leaders at his official residence in New Delhi has created controversy.
The event was facilitated by the Indian Minorities Foundation, a pro-Sangh Parivar organisation. Several prominent Christian leaders attended the lunch, including Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church of India and Archbishop of Bombay; Paul Swarup, the Bishop of the Diocese of Delhi, Church of North India; John Varghese, Principal, St. Stephen’s College, Delhi; and Bishop Thomas Mar Antonios. They listened to the Prime Minister’s address and posed for photographs with him. One of them gifted Mr. Modi a sculpture of Infant Jesus.
As expected, Mr. Modi did not refer to the sensitive issue of mass killings, including of Christians, and the destruction of churches in Manipur, and the alleged atrocities committed against the community across the country. He used the opportunity to recall his frequent meetings with Christian leaders during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister and said that he “proudly acknowledges” the contributions of Christians — from the freedom movement to their “active participation” in social service. He said that Christians have played an important role in “giving direction to society”. He added that the benefits of development taking place in India have been reaching many Christians, including the poor and deprived.
