Panaji, Goa – January 1, 2026
In a poignant departure from traditional festive greetings, Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao of Goa and Daman issued a New Year message on Wednesday evening, expressing profound anguish over the escalating persecution of minority communities in India. The senior Catholic leader specifically condemned recent attacks on Christians during Christmas celebrations across several parts of the country, describing them as a "painful testimony" to a disturbing trend that threatens the nation's moral and constitutional fabric.
Delivering his customary address on the eve of 2026, Cardinal Ferrao highlighted a "growing sense of insecurity" among minorities, particularly those targeted for practicing their faith openly. "While greeting you, I cannot but also express my deep anguish at the growing sense of insecurity being created, in recent times, among minority communities," he stated in the message. "The unwarranted attacks on Christians during the recent Christmas celebrations in several parts of our country are a painful testimony to this trend. Such incidents vitiate the moral fabric of our nation, which has traditionally been peace-loving and encouraging of its diverse cultures, religions, and traditions."
The Archbishop's remarks come against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with reports of vandalism, disruptions, and violence at Christian places of worship and community events during the holiday season. While specific locations were not detailed in the message, the reference underscores a pattern of incidents that have drawn widespread criticism from rights groups and opposition leaders, who argue they reflect a broader erosion of religious freedoms under the guise of majoritarian assertiveness.
Cardinal Ferrao emphasized that these acts not only inflict pain on affected communities but also stand in "blatant disregard" for India's foundational values of pluralism and tolerance. He pointed to the Constitution's explicit guarantee of free religious expression under Article 25, calling it a "grave concern" that persecutions continue "often with the tacit approval of the authorities." "It is indeed a cause for grave concern that, even though the Constitution of India mandates free and fair expression of the practice of one’s religion, some communities are persecuted for celebrating their most cherished and important festivals," he added.
In a strong call to action, the Archbishop urged government officials at all levels to fulfill their "constitutional responsibility and moral accountability" by investigating incidents decisively and impartially. "We appeal to the concerned authorities... to act decisively, and impartially, bringing the perpetrators to justice, thereby restoring the confidence of all citizens in the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of our great Nation," he said. He also implored citizens across faiths to unite against "divisive forces" and reaffirm the bonds of national harmony.
The message has resonated widely on social media and among interfaith groups, with many praising the Cardinal's courage in addressing a sensitive issue during a time of celebration. Local Christian leaders in Goa echoed his sentiments, noting that while the coastal state remains relatively peaceful, the national climate of intolerance casts a long shadow.
As India steps into 2026, Cardinal Ferrao's words serve as a sobering reminder of the challenges to secularism and minority rights. Advocacy organizations like the United Christian Forum have reported over 700 incidents of anti-Christian violence in 2025 alone, fueling demands for stronger legal safeguards.
The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman has not yet responded to requests for further comment on potential follow-up initiatives.
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