Christians wary as Modi sworn in for second term in India

INDIA (ANS) — Christians in India are wary as India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in yesterday for a second five-year term.

During Modi’s first term, persecution against Christians in India severely increased—and now, Mission India’s partners in India anticipate challenges continuing, according to Mission Network News (MNN).

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Mission Network News reported more than 600 million people voted in this election, and Modi won by a landslide. His political party (Bharatiya Janata Party) won 354 of 545 seats (272 seats are needed for a majority) in The Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament—a win even bigger than their share of the vote in 2014.

Mission India’s Erik Morsehead says, “Our partners in India have been faithfully praying…as they just try to see what the new round [of political leadership] looks like for them in terms of ministry and how God’s going to move amidst all of this.

“But they’re also at the same time energized, knowing that regardless of what happens politically, God is still in control. We’ve heard that a lot from our partners. They know that God will be faithful and they’re going to keep doing what they believe God is calling them to do.”

This year, Open Doors USA ranked India as the 10th worst country in the world for persecution of Christians, who have faced violence and loss of rights.

Mission Network News says now is the time to stand with Christians in India, both in prayer and by empowering them with tools and training to continue to push the light of the Gospel against the spiritual darkness around them. Opponents of the Good News seem to be growing in numbers and in strength, and the future feels uncertain.

MNN said: “But we know who holds the future, and so we pray. Please join our Indian Christian brothers and sisters in praying for protection, for wisdom, and for an open door to the Gospel message.”