GUJARAT, India — Nearly 200 members of two extremist Hindu organizations stormed the Evangelical Church of India in Gujarat state on November 26.
The Christian community expressed shock at the desecration of the church and the attempt to take possession of a Christian house of worship. Armed with swords and knives, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) destroyed crosses inside and outside the church, which is located in Chindia, in Surat district.
Attackers also placed Hindu idols in the sanctuary. The Hindu groups say the church should be turned into a Hindu temple. The land was given to Christians four years ago, and local Christians built a church and have been worshiping regularly on the site.
Meanwhile, the bishop of the Evangelical Church of India says he will continue with his public fast until the stay order comes and the church is safely restored to the local Christians.
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