Christians Targeted in Hindu Violence
Christian congregations in western India are canceling New Year prayer services, fearful of provoking more violence from extremist Hindus targeting churches. The violence has put the governing Bharatiya Janata Party in the position of having to protect the Christian minority from groups affiliated with the Hindu nationalist party. Since last week, mobs have attacked 18 churches, prayer halls or Christian schools in Gujarat state. The World Hindu Council, a group blamed for many of the attacks, accuses missionaries of converting poor Hindus and others with promises of jobs or financial gain.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.