NEW DELHI (Indian Catholic News) — Indian Catholic bishops have condemned an attack on a peaceful Bible convention in West Bengal, saying a deliberately spread false narrative of forced conversion was used to incite a crowd against Christians.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) issued its condemnation on Oct. 12 following the disruption of the Annual Santali Mega Bible Convention Retreat at the Divine Love Retreat Centre in Jalalkhali, under the Diocese of Krishnagar in Nadia district.
According to reports received from the diocese, the four-day spiritual gathering took place from Oct. 8 to 11, 2026. Organisers had secured all official permissions in advance, including a formal request for police protection.
On the evening of Oct. 9, however, a large group gathered near St. Louis Parish Church.
“Disturbing videos reveal that a false narrative of ‘forced conversion’ was broadcast over loudspeakers,” the CBCI said. “This malicious act was deliberately used to instigate the crowd against the Christian community.”
The situation escalated into an attack, with the crowd shouting anti-Church slogans, vandalizing church property and physically assaulting people guarding the premises.
The violence caused “severe panic and trauma” among priests, religious personnel and retreat participants, the statement said.
Church calls for legal action and protection
The bishops stressed that the attack violated a fundamental right.
“Attacking citizens who are gathered peacefully in prayer inside a church or private premises is an egregious violation of their fundamental right to freedom of religion,” the CBCI said.
The conference called on the West Bengal government to take “immediate and strict legal action” against those responsible and ensure that Christians and their institutions are protected.
It said protection was necessary to enable Christians to exercise their “fundamental right to worship freely and without any fear.”
The CBCI also requested that Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally intervene to safeguard minority communities.
“The Church continues to remain committed to peace and nation-building,” the statement said.
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