Led by Christian Peace Mission, the march mobilizes diverse communities to peacefully oppose misuse of anti-conversion laws and ongoing atrocities against Christians across India.

New Delhi, 11 October 2025

The Freedom of Religion March, organized by the Christian Peace Mission, began in Delhi in protest against the misuse of anti-conversion laws in BJP-ruled states and the ongoing persecution and imprisonment of Christians across India. The march commenced from Jantar-Mantar near the Parliament.

The event, led by Rajeev Joseph, National President of the Christian Peace Mission, was inaugurated by Alka Lamba, National President of the Women’s Congress. Alka Lamba also released the memorandum prepared by the Christian Peace Mission to be submitted to the President and the Prime Minister.

Prominent leaders addressing the event included Dr. Udit Raj, Congress National Leader Jagdish Sharma, former Deputy Speaker of Delhi Assembly and Aam Aadmi Party leader Amrish Singh Gautam, National Coordinator of the All India Congress Committee Minority Department Meenakshi Singh, Senior Vice President of Delhi Pradesh Mahila Congress Sindhiya Kumar, and Wilson Joseph.

Besides Christians, followers of other religions including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains, and Buddhists also participated in the march. Supported by the national movement Indian Minority and Dalit Forum, the march raised concerns about atrocities against Christians and highlighted the active involvement of various communities under the Christian Peace Mission’s banner.

At the protest site, Rajeev Joseph handed the national flag to representative Sajith Das from Thiruvananthapuram and called for the Freedom of Religion March to be held at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, on November 10. For the march in Chhattisgarh on December 10, the national flag was handed to Youth Congress leader Annie Peter from Raipur. For the January march in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the national flag was presented to Congress leader Thomas Varghese and his team from Ajmer.

The event began with a prayer led by prominent social activist and preacher John M. Philip, and the closing prayer of the peaceful protest was led by Wilson Manithottam. Musical performances by Kamal Joel, Rahul Verma, Edison Sunny, Radhakrishnan Pillai, Binu John, and Angela Whitson made Jantar-Mantar a center of devotion and unity.

Leaders of the Christian Peace Mission, including Premji Prasad, Sibi Varghese, Babukutty, James Itty Epan, Thomas Varghese, V.K. Ipe, Santosh Paul, Abin Abraham, Joseph Cherian, Benedict Kunjuman, Vinod Govind, Rency Mathew, Anil K.R., and C.G. Varghese, led various protest activities.

Those wishing to participate in the Freedom of Religion March at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram on November 10, or support the movement on social media, can send their name, address, and passport-sized photo in English via WhatsApp at 9072795547. ‘Battle Badges’ for the social media campaign will be provided to all participants soon.