The Archbishop of Canterbury calls on Indian regional authorities to protect Christians

On May 31, 2023

Pope Francis (R) smiles with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the end of vespers prayers at the monastery church of San Gregorio al Celio in Rome, Italy, October 5, 2016. REUTERS/Tony Gentile - RTSQWZU

RELIGIOUS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken of his distress at the attacks on Christians in the Indian state of Manipur, when 300 churches have been burned to the ground and more than one hundred villages destroyed.

The violence was a flare-up in the conflict between the majority local Hindu Meiteis community and indigenous Kuki people, 90 percent of whom are Christians.

It’s believed the spark was a Kuki protest over employment and education benefits. Justin Welby said on Twitter: “I’ve been distressed to hear about the attacks on the indigenous tribal Christians of Manipur, India, and of the churches that have been destroyed in recent weeks”.

He added that he prayed regional authorities would protect minority groups including Christians and that justice and peace would prevail.