On 13 February 2016 a
Christian conference was held to discuss a proposal from the radical Hindu nationalist movement, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), to form a separate forum for Christians (see bimonthly dated 04.02.2016). UCA News reported on 15 February 2016 that more than 200 Christian leaders from various denominations met in New Delhi for this purpose. The RSS is accused, especially by religious minorities, of trying to turn India into an exclusively Hindu nation. As a result, participants at the meeting felt the RSS proposal was part of a hidden agenda aimed at subverting Christianity in India. The decision was made that Christian leaders in India should reject the RSS proposals. John Dayal, spokesman for the United Christian Forum, which organized the meeting, said that there was an overall consensus not to engage in dialogue with an entity that has made its stand clear towards minorities. "We would demand a larger discourse on the strengthening of secular, constitutional democracy in India," he said.
Rolf Zeegers, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, expected this outcome: "The RSS is responsible for many attacks against Christians and Muslims all over India. The Christians of India obviously felt that the RSS could hardly be serious in wanting to work closer with them while at the same time persecuting them ruthlessly. They thought it must be a trick to lure them into some sort of trap. The RSS will no doubt use the outcome of the conference to justify their violent campaigns. We are to expect more incidents."
