Joint statement issued by the bishops of the Church of India in response to the release of a film

The bishops of the Church of India have issued a joint statement in response to the release of a film.

The bishops of the Church of India have issued a joint statement in response to the release of the film Sanatani – Karma Hi Dharma, which depicted Christianity and conversion in a derogatory and inaccurate manner. They condemned the film, saying it portrayed Christianity in a derogatory and inaccurate manner.

The film was made in the Odia language in the state of Odisha, one of the eastern states of India. Many Christians and secular groups protested against its release in an attempt to stop it from being released. However, despite these reactions and protests, the film was released in Indian cinemas yesterday, February 7.

The Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox bishops' associations issued a statement in response to its release, condemning the film for distorting key aspects of Christian doctrine. They warned that the film, set against the backdrop of tribal villages, could fuel divisions between tribal communities.

The Bishops' Conference's statement refers to the 2008 incident in which Hindu groups attacked and burned hundreds of Christian homes and churches in the Kandal region of Odisha, which has a history of anti-Christian violence, resulting in the deaths of about 100 people, the majority of whom were Christians.

Hindu groups oppose Christian missionary and conversion activities, believing that they are carried out mainly in villages where the population is mostly poor and lower class. In the tribal district of Kandymal, Christians make up 20 percent of the population, while most people in the area follow Hindu or animist traditions.

The Bishops' Conference of the Church of India stressed, stating: "The 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 will divide these communities."

They also wrote in the statement: "Any attempt to create division among these communities can be seen as a malicious attempt to undermine their fundamental rights to land, water and forests. We must remember the painful history of violence and atrocities experienced by the Christian people of Odisha."

The Kandeman Christian community also wrote a letter to the state's chief minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, last week demanding a ban on the release of the film, saying it portrayed religious missionaries in a negative light. Despite these protests and reactions, the Orissa High Court on February 5 refused to issue a ban on the release of the film, rejecting the pleas filed by social activists, and the film was finally released in Indian cinemas two days later, on February 7.

"The release of this film across the state has heightened concern and fear among Christians," said Manoj Kumarnaik, a Catholic priest serving in the Kandymal district.

The National Christian Association also stated: "The film portrays religious conversion as a criminal activity and undermines religious freedom."