Indian Church Bishops Release Joint Statement in Response to Film Release

Bishops of the Indian Church released a joint statement in response to the release of a film.

In response to the screening of the film Sanatani – Karma Hi Dharma, which presented derogatory images of Christianity and religious conversion, bishops of the Indian Church released a joint statement. While condemning it, they stated that this film depicted Christianity in a derogatory and inaccurate manner.

The film in question was made in “Odia” language in Odisha, one of the eastern states of India. Many Christians and secular groups protested against its screening in an attempt to prevent the film’s release. However, despite these reactions and protests, the film was released in Indian cinemas on February 7.

The Council of Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Bishops, while condemning the film for distorting key aspects of Christian teachings, released a statement in response to its screening. In this statement, they warned that this film, which is narrated against the backdrop of tribal villages, could fan the flames of division between tribal communities.

The bishops’ statement refers back to the 2008 incident when, in Odisha state, which has a history of anti-Christian violence, Hindu groups attacked hundreds of Christian homes and churches in the “Kandhamal” region and set them on fire, resulting in the death of approximately 100 people, most of whom were Christians.

Hindu groups oppose the activities of Christian missionaries and religious conversion because they believe these activities take place particularly in villages whose populations consist mostly of poor people from lower classes of society. The Kandhamal region, which has a tribal population, has Christians making up 20 percent of this population, while most people in the region follow Hinduism or animistic traditions.

The Council of Bishops of the Indian Church emphasized and stated: “Tribal communities in this state, with their distinct traditions, rituals, and beliefs, are part of India’s pluralistic social fabric. They are concerned that the issues raised in this film could divide these communities.”

They also wrote in the statement: “Any attempt to create divisions among these communities could be seen as a malicious attempt to weaken their fundamental rights to land, water, and forests. We must remember the painful history of violence and cruelties that Christian people have experienced in Odisha.”

The Christian community of Kandhamal also requested in a letter last week to “Mohan Charan Majhi,” the chief minister of the state, to stop the screening of this film, as they believed the film portrayed religious missionaries in an inaccurate and negative manner. However, despite these protests and reactions, the Odisha High Court refused on February 5 to issue an order stopping the film’s screening and rejected the pleas submitted by social activists. Ultimately, the film was released in Indian cinemas two days later on February 7.

“Manoj Kumarnaik,” a Catholic priest serving in the Kandhamal region, said: “The release of this film across the state has intensified concern and fear among Christians.”

The National Council of Christians also announced: “This film portrays religious conversion as a criminal activity and weakens religious freedom.”