By Matters India Reporter
Bhubaneswar, March 15, 2025: A delegation of Catholic lawyers is visiting dioceses in Odisha as violence against Christians increases in the eastern Indian state.
“This initiative is timely, as incidents of violence against Christians are rising in Odisha. Providing legal aid is crucial to protecting the rights of our people,” Bishop Varghese Thottamkara of Balasore told the six-member delegation of the Odisha Lawyers Forum of Religious and Priests Advocates that visited the diocese on March 14.
The 65-year-old Vincentian prelate commended the delegate’s efforts in upholding justice within the Church. Only those spiritually strong can take on this prophetic mission, he said and assured his support for the team’s legal and advocacy work.
Asked if he would encourage his priests to study civil law, Bishop Thottamkara said, “One priest is currently pursuing canon law studies. Once completed, I will ensure he undertakes civil law as well.”
He also said that he would support if other priests show interest in legal studies. Priests with expertise in both canon and civil laws are needed to advance the Church’s mission, he added.
Following the meeting, the team travelled to Hatigarh parish where they discussed with local Catholic leaders ongoing challenges they faced.
More than 20 lay men and women shared their concerns.
The delegation documented a recent case of religious persecution.
On December 18, 2024, Rangamatia village under Kalika Panchayat witnessed tensions between Sarna tribal adherents and Catholics over the burial of Budhia Murmu, a Catholic man whose family had followed Christianity for more than three decades.
A group of Santhal leaders, reportedly trained in Jharkhand to defend the Sarna religion, blocked Murmu’s burial, accusing the family of forced religious conversions. The standoff lasted over 12 hours, with local Christian leaders and village authorities pleading for police intervention.
Eventually, under sustained pressure, the burial proceeded by 4 p.m. However, fear and uncertainty persist, as false conversion allegations continue, with an FIR filed to intensify the conflict.
The lay leaders sought the delegation’s guidance to address such threats and uphold their rights. They also requested education on fundamental rights, freedom of religion, and the intersection of caste, culture, and tribal traditions.
The delegation provided legal insights, documented the reported atrocities, and pledged their support in ensuring justice through lawful means.
They also offered to conduct legal awareness programs for lay Catholics, priests, and religious members to equip them with knowledge and information to navigate these challenging times lawfully.
The delegation members were Father Ajay Kumar Singh of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Father M Balthazar, chancellor of the Diocese of Balasore, Handmaid Sister Clara D’Souza, St. Joseph of Annecy Sister Geetanjali Senapati, Holy Spirit Sister Sophia Arockia, and Sacred Hearts Sister Sujata Jena.