India

Leader: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Population: 1.1 billion (71 million Christians)
Main Religion: Hinduism
Government: Federal republic
World Watch Rank: 32

The Hindutva ideology, which seeks to enforce Hindu dominance in society, has been advancing at a fast rate. Christians are a particularly soft target since they do not retaliate, as demonstrated by the systematic violence against Christians in Orissa and Karnataka in 2008-2009. In 2010 nine Christians were killed.There were numerous reports of Christians being arrested and assaulted, and church buildings and schools being damaged. Yet the church is growing rapidly, and unity is increasing as a result of the mounting opposition felt by every denomination.

Please Pray:

• That leadership and discipleship training programmes would help believers grow in faith and maturity
• For the peaceful resettlement of Christians still displaced by the violence in Orissa
• Ask God to provide for children orphaned in religious riots.