The National Council of Churches in India greeted the country on its 63rd Independence Day, calling for unity and greater efforts in condemning "perpetuation of depravity and all manifestations of violence."
Two pastors from the Assemblies of God Church denomination were attacked by a group of unknown people on Wednesday in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Two women pastors have been arrested and sent to jail after false charges by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in Karnataka, according to a Christian advocacy group there.
A group of atheist and agnostic "freethinkers" opposed to religion has criticized the United States Postal Service for honoring Mother Teresa with a stamp that it says goes against postal regulations.
There were no reports of violence in Kandhamal district, Orissa state, during Christmas. Christians peacefully celebrated the birth of Jesus with prayers and midnight services.
A group of U.S. lawmakers have written to the Chief Minister of India's eastern state of Orissa, calling for action against those who have carried out attacks against Christians.
Last year's violence on Christians in Kandhamal district in India was "one of the saddest moments in the history of India," said Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Mumbai and president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's decision to place India on its Watch List was slammed by Christian leaders in the state of Orissa.
During an interfaith dialogue in Mumbai, Hindu and Catholic leaders denounced religious conversions and recent anti-Christian violence in Kandhamal district in India.
The Government of India has agreed to keep its Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Kandhamal district, where it will continue to protect Christians taking refuge in relief camps there.