by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) - The former United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, has issued an urgent appeal for the international community, and the US in particular, to stand with India's persecuted Christians by pressuring their government to protect them.
As Ambassador at Large, Brownback headed the Office of International Religious Freedom in the US State Department from 2018 to 2021; prior to this he served as the 46th Governor (Repub.) of Kansas from 2011 to 2018.
Writing for the Real Clear Wire media outlet, Brownback listed reports and examples of the type of persecution suffered by Christians in India - echoing the warnings long-issued by advocacy groups such as Open Doors and International Christian Concern.
Using the Indian state of Chhattisgarh as an example of governmental persecution in which abusive anti-conversion laws are weaponized to attack Christians, Brownback writes: “From December 9 to 18, attacks in Chhattisgarh occurred in villages across the region. Horrifying footage shows scenes of violent chaos…Christians were asked to denounce their faith and convert to Hinduism or face brutal consequences.”
Brownback highlights the fact that, despite the alarming evidence of sustained persecution of Christians in India, very little has been done to help them.
“Clearly religious minorities in India and much of South Asia are under threat. Chhattisgarh ranks as the second most dangerous region for India’s Christians. Despite recent escalation, international attention has been scant, compounding local inaction…For now, those seeking refuge cannot return home with any guarantee of safety. The displaced Christians remain in deplorable conditions. The local government has failed to deliver an effective response,” Brownback writes.
Concerning the way forward, Brownback recommends: “India now needs a special investigation team to do ongoing work under the supervision of India’s Supreme Court. We must stand with the persecuted.” In a particular appeal to the US government, Brownback urged: “The U.S. must use every diplomatic tool at its disposal to maintain pressure on all South Asian governments to protect their religious minorities.”