Christianity in India: Faith Under Fire and How You Can Help

In 2024 alone, over 700 reported attacks against Christians occurred in India. Despite this persecution, faith continues to grow in the face of extreme adversity. But how does Christianity survive in a country where believers often face discrimination, violence, and legal obstacles? 

Set Free is dedicated to serving vulnerable communities in India, providing clean water, rescuing children from slavery, offering medical care, and planting churches. Our mission extends to Sierra Leone and Liberia as well, but in India, we face unique challenges as we work to share the gospel in an increasingly hostile environment.  

Being a Christian in India often means facing significant challenges, including social ostracism, legal restrictions, and even violence. Despite these obstacles, the Christian community remains resilient, continuing to practice their faith and serve others in need. In this article, we look to shed a light on the Christianity in India, sharing more about the challenges, persecution, and how you can help.

What Does the Christian Church Look Like in India?

India, a nation of over 1.4 billion people, is known for its rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted religious traditions. While Hinduism dominates, Christianity has maintained a presence for nearly 2,000 years, tracing its origins back to the Apostle Thomas.  

Today, Indian Christians come from diverse backgrounds, including Dalits (a marginalize caste), tribal communities, and urban believers, forming a resilient but often persecuted minority. 

Churches in India take many forms: 

• Large urban congregations in major cities 

• Small house churches where believers meet in secret 

• Underground churches in regions with high persecution 

• Open-air worship gatherings where faith is spread despite risks 

Many Indian Christians are involved in social outreach, providing education, healthcare, and clean water to underserved communities. However, their faith often comes at a great personal cost. 

How Many Christians Are There in India? 

When asking, how many Christians in India?, the answer varies due to underreporting and fear of persecution. Official estimates suggest that around 2.3% of India’s population identifies as Christian, which translates to approximately 30 million people. However, some Christian leaders and organizations believe the actual number is significantly higher, as many believers practice their faith discreetly to avoid harassment or violence. 

According to the 2011 census, the religious composition of India's population is as follows: 

• These figures highlight the diverse religious landscape of India, with Hinduism being the predominant faith. (censusindia.gov.in) 

Christianity in India is growing, particularly among marginalized communities, where the message of hope and dignity resonates deeply. Converts often face social ostracization, yet many continue to embrace their faith despite the risks. 

Learn more: Christianity and the Dalits in India 

What Are the Challenges Christians Face in India? 

Indian Christians face numerous obstacles, ranging from legal restrictions to violent persecution simply for practicing their faith.  

Legal Barriers: Anti-Conversion Laws 

Anti-conversion laws in multiple states criminalize religious conversions, often leading to false accusations and imprisonment of pastors and evangelists.  

Violence & Intimidation: Attacks on Churches and Believers 

Extremist groups target Christian gatherings, disrupting worship services and sometimes resorting to physical attacks. One particularly disturbing account shared by Set Free’s Program Director, Andrew Hendricks, on The iBIBLE Podcast involved live electrical wires being placed in baptismal water in an attempt to injure or even kill new believers. This reflects the intense hostility in certain regions where Christianity is seen as a threat to traditional Hindu values.  

According to the Catholic News Agency, during the 2024 Christmas season in India, at least 14 incidents targeting Christians were reported, including:  

• Church services disrupted by violent protests
• Christmas decorations forcibly removed from schools
• Christian carol singers arrested and censored 

Social Discrimination: Denial of Basic Resources 

Christians are frequently denied access to basic resources, including clean water and education, as a form of societal discrimination. Many are pressured to “return” to Hinduism through forced conversion campaigns. Yet, in the face of these trials, the Church remains steadfast, continuing to grow and spread the gospel. 

Learn more about the water problems in India 

Government Influence & Rising Nationalism 

India’s current leadership, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emphasized promoting Hindu identity and Hindi language as central to national unity. This has raised concerns among minority religious communities, including Christians, who fear increased marginalization and restrictions on religious freedom. 

Yet, despite these obstacles, the Church continues to grow. 

How Set Free Is Helping Christians in India 

Set Free is actively working to transform the lives of marginalized Indian communities by providing vital resources and spiritual support. Our initiatives include: 

• Clean Water Projects: Supplying villages with wells and filtration systems to combat water scarcity and create opportunities for evangelism. 
• Education: Offering Christian-based schooling for children who would otherwise be denied access to education, including thousands rescued from slavery.  
• Church Planting and Discipleship: Training local pastors and church leaders to spread the gospel and strengthen the faith of believers. 
• Rescue and Rehabilitation: Helping free children from slavery in mines and factories, reuniting them with their families or caring for them in a safe, loving environment.  

Through these efforts, entire villages are being transformed into “Christ villages,” where faith flourishes, and communities thrive despite external pressures. 

How You Can Help 

The persecution of Indian Christians is a sobering reality, but you can make a difference. Here’s how: 

• 🙏Pray: Lift up our brothers and sisters in India, asking God to protect and strengthen them. 

• 💰Give: Your financial support helps fund clean water projects, education, and church growth. Donate now to change lives! 

• 📢Share: Spread awareness about the challenges Indian Christians face and the work Set Free is doing. 

• 🎥Engage: Watch and share Andrew Hendricks’ interview on The iBIBLE Podcast to learn more about the struggles and victories of the Church in India. 

India is open to the Gospel, but not legally or safely. Hendricks says, on paper, India has freedom of religion, but that is not the case. Violence reported to officials often goes ignored. “There’s a lot of obstacles to the Gospel in India. It creates a lot of challenges on the ground, for sure,” says Hendricks. But together, we can ensure that Christianity in India continues to shine as a beacon of hope in the darkness. 

Stand with persecuted Christians today. Join Set Free →