CSI Synod condemns arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh

Church of South India (CSI) Synod Secretariat has condemned the arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh and demanded their immediate release and an end to religious intimidation.

In a statement issued here on Thursday (July 31, 2025), CSI Synod general secretary C. Fernandas Rathina Raja said the CSI expresses its deep anguish and strong condemnation over the recent arrest of two Catholic nuns. “This action, reportedly based on unfounded accusations, is not only unjust but also reveals a disturbing trend of targeting Christian religious personnel under the guise of law and order’.

Church of South India Synod is the highest administrative body of the CSI that administers 24 Dioceses in South India and Jaffna in Sri Lanka.

The statement said was it was deeply troubling that the women, who have committed their lives to serving the poor, the sick and the marginalised are being subjected to harassment and humiliation without credible evidence. “Such acts not only violate the fundamental rights but also infringe upon the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom and the right to practice and propagate one’s faith,” the statement noted.

The CSI Synod called upon the Government of Chhattisgarh and the concerned law enforcement authorities to immediately withdraw the false cases, release the nuns unconditionally and ensure their dignity and safety. It is the duty of the State to protect all citizens equally, irrespective of their faith, and to ensure that communal elements do not misuse administrative mechanisms to intimidate religious minorities, it said.

“The CSI stand in solidarity with our sisters and the Christian community in Chhattisgarh,” Mr. Rathina Raja said adding that the organisation reaffirms its steadfast commitment to truth, justice and harmony and would continue to raise it voice against all forms of religious intolerance and persecution.

This act indicting the innocent religious, just to satisfy the political apatite of the communal activists supported by the government is unjust and highly condemnable. Hence we request all the faithful across all denominations to gather in large numbers to extend our solidarity demanding justice, immediate release of the nuns and punishment to the perpetrators.

Peace rally

The Catholic Association of Hyderabad (CAH) has given a call to hold peace rally this evening on July 31 in the City. The peace rally would start from St. Francis High School in Secunderabad and conclude near the Mother Theresa Statue in Regimental bazar, according to CAH release.

The CAH said the act of indicting the innocent religious, just to satisfy the political apetite of the communal activists supported by the government is unjust and highly condemnable.