✝️ PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS FORUM (PCF)
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS MANIFESTO
JUSTICE • EQUALITY • RELIGIOUS FREEDOM • DIGNITY • DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION
“WE SEEK OUR RIGHTS THROUGH THE CONSTITUTION — NOT THROUGH CONFRONTATION.”
PUBLIC DECLARATION
The Persecuted Christians Forum (PCF) places before the people of India a serious constitutional concern:
Indian Christians are citizens of India, equal before the law, and entitled to the constitutional protections available to every citizen and person within the constitutional framework.
PCF believes that religious identity must never become a reason for unlawful discrimination, denial of protection, denial of lawful government services, harassment, violence, or unequal treatment.
The Constitution guarantees equality before law under Article 14, prohibits State discrimination on specified grounds including religion under Article 15, and provides equality of opportunity in public employment under Article 16. Articles 25–28 provide constitutional protections concerning freedom of religion, while Articles 29–30 contain cultural and educational rights, including specified protections for minorities.
These constitutional promises belong to every citizen. Christians are not asking for charity. Christians are asking that constitutional rights and lawful protections be respected.
I. OUR CONSTITUTIONAL DEMAND
EQUAL RIGHTS — EQUAL PROTECTION — EQUAL JUSTICE
PCF calls upon all constitutional authorities to ensure that Christian citizens receive the same protection of law and access to lawful remedies that are available to other citizens in comparable circumstances.
Our position is simple:
No citizen should be discriminated against merely because of religion.
No Christian should be denied lawful protection merely because he or she is a Christian.
No church, pastor, worshipper or Christian institution should be treated as outside the protection of the Constitution.
No genuine complaint should be ignored merely because the affected person belongs to a religious minority.
II. THE FOUR ESTATES AND DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY
A democratic system is commonly understood through the three constitutional branches—Legislature, Executive and Judiciary—along with the Press and Media as the Fourth Estate.
1. LEGISLATURE — LAW MAKING
The Legislature makes laws and determines public policy through constitutional procedures.
PCF calls for Christian concerns to be represented and considered through legitimate democratic and legislative processes.
Issues raised by Christian citizens may include:
- Religious freedom
- Protection of churches and prayer places
- Safety of pastors and worshippers
- Minority rights
- Educational rights
- Welfare and development
- Employment opportunities
- Issues concerning Dalit Christians
- Reservation and social-justice questions
- Protection of Christian institutions
- Protection of religious property
PCF demands constitutional and democratic consideration of these issues.
III. EXECUTIVE — IMPLEMENTATION OF LAW
Government departments and public officials are responsible for implementing laws and administering public services.
PCF receives and raises concerns regarding alleged difficulties experienced by Christians before government authorities, including matters involving:
- Police protection
- Complaints and FIR-related assistance
- Certificates
- Welfare schemes
- Educational benefits
- Employment-related matters
- Land and property
- Church registration and permissions
- Minority welfare
- Revenue administration
- Local government authorities
- Other public services
Where discrimination or unlawful denial is alleged, PCF calls for the matter to be examined through records, applicable law and due process.
PCF does not claim that every government officer or department acts against Christians.
Our demand is accountability wherever unlawful discrimination or denial is established.
IV. JUDICIARY — ACCESS TO JUSTICE
The Judiciary is an essential constitutional institution for resolving legal disputes and protecting rights within its jurisdiction.
PCF therefore encourages affected Christians to use lawful judicial remedies when appropriate.
Where a Christian believes that a constitutional or legal right has been violated, the person may, depending upon the circumstances:
DOCUMENT → REPRESENT → APPEAL → COMPLAIN → SEEK LEGAL ADVICE → APPROACH THE COMPETENT COURT
PCF supports lawful access to justice and calls for genuine grievances to receive appropriate consideration according to law.
V. PRESS, MEDIA AND DIGITAL DEMOCRACY
The Press and Media have an important role in informing society and bringing public issues into democratic discussion.
PCF expresses concern that some Christian communities and organisations believe that Christian-related incidents do not always receive adequate media attention, while controversies involving Christians may sometimes receive disproportionate attention.
PCF calls for:
FAIR REPORTING
FACT-BASED JOURNALISM
EQUAL PUBLIC VISIBILITY
VERIFICATION BEFORE PUBLICATION
THE RIGHT TO RESPOND
RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL MEDIA
PCF does not oppose journalism.
PCF demands responsible journalism.
If a Christian or Christian organisation is accused publicly, the relevant facts should be examined and the concerned person or organisation should have an opportunity to respond.
VI. FREEDOM OF RELIGION — OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT
Article 25 protects freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practise and propagate religion, subject to the constitutional limitations specified in the provision. Article 26 provides specified freedoms to religious denominations concerning religious affairs and institutions, also subject to constitutional limitations.
Therefore, lawful Christian activities can include:
✝️ Worship
✝️ Prayer
✝️ Bible study
✝️ Christian fellowship
✝️ Religious teaching
✝️ Evangelistic activity
✝️ Missionary activity
✝️ Charitable service
✝️ Religious institutions
✝️ Christian educational and social-service activities
All such activities remain subject to applicable law, public order and the constitutional framework.
PCF’s position is that lawful religious activity should not be treated as criminal merely because it is Christian religious activity.
VII. CHRISTIAN WORSHIP MUST NOT BECOME A TARGET
PCF raises concerns regarding reported incidents involving:
- Churches
- Pastors
- Prayer meetings
- Christian worshippers
- House prayers
- Evangelistic activities
- Christian institutions
- Religious property
Where an unlawful attack, threat, obstruction or harassment occurs, PCF calls for:
IMMEDIATE PROTECTION
PROPER DOCUMENTATION
POLICE ASSISTANCE
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE WHERE REQUIRED
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
LAWFUL COMPENSATION OR RELIEF WHERE AVAILABLE
JUDICIAL REMEDIES WHERE APPROPRIATE
Violence must never replace law.
VIII. EQUALITY IN GOVERNMENT BENEFITS AND SERVICES
PCF raises concerns regarding cases in which Christian citizens report difficulties obtaining certificates, welfare benefits, educational opportunities, employment-related benefits or other government services.
PCF’s position is that eligibility should be determined according to:
CONSTITUTION + LAW + RULES + ELIGIBILITY + EVIDENCE
—not religious prejudice or unsupported assumptions.
At the same time, PCF recognises that different government benefits and reservation categories are governed by specific constitutional provisions, statutes, rules, notifications and judicial decisions.
Therefore, each individual case must be examined according to the applicable legal framework.
IX. DALIT CHRISTIAN SOCIAL JUSTICE
PCF particularly raises the continuing constitutional and social-justice concerns of Dalit Christians.
These concerns include questions relating to:
- Scheduled Caste status
- Reservation
- Educational opportunities
- Employment opportunities
- Welfare schemes
- Caste/community certificates
- Social discrimination
- Economic development
- Political representation
- Equal access to government programmes
PCF calls for these matters to be addressed through constitutional processes, legislative consideration, judicial proceedings and democratic advocacy.
PCF will continue to place documented concerns before competent authorities and constitutional institutions.
X. FOREIGN FUNDING — REJECTING UNFOUNDED GENERALISATIONS
PCF strongly objects to the generalisation that Indian Christians automatically receive foreign financial assistance simply because they are Christians.
Foreign contributions and organisations are subject to applicable Indian laws and regulatory requirements.
Therefore:
RELIGIOUS IDENTITY IS NOT PROOF OF FOREIGN FUNDING.
ALLEGATIONS REQUIRE EVIDENCE.
INDIVIDUAL CASES SHOULD BE DETERMINED ON DOCUMENTARY FACTS AND LAW.
PCF calls for factual investigation rather than rumours, stereotypes or fabricated allegations.
XI. AGAINST RELIGIOUS HATRED AND COLLECTIVE BLAME
PCF makes its position clear:
We do not oppose any religion.
We do not call for hatred against Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains or any other community.
We do not support violence against any person.
We do not support revenge.
We do not support unlawful retaliation.
Our fight is against unlawful discrimination, persecution, violence, harassment and denial of constitutional or legal rights wherever such violations occur.
OUR PRINCIPLE:
JUSTICE FOR CHRISTIANS WITHOUT INJUSTICE TO ANYONE.
XII. PCF RESPONSE TO POLITICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL CONCERNS
PCF is concerned about political and ideological developments that, in its view, may affect religious minorities and the constitutional principle of equal citizenship.
Where PCF believes that a law, policy, administrative practice or public action adversely affects Christian constitutional rights, PCF will raise the matter through democratic and lawful mechanisms.
These mechanisms may include:
- Representations
- Petitions
- RTI applications
- Administrative complaints
- Legal notices
- Constitutional litigation
- Parliamentary and legislative representations
- Commission representations
- Peaceful demonstrations
- Press conferences
- Public awareness campaigns
- Social-media campaigns
- Meetings with public representatives
PCF’s advocacy is intended to remain constitutional, peaceful and democratic.
XIII. OUR ACTION PLAN
PCF proposes a structured national response:
1. DOCUMENT
Record incidents with dates, locations, names, documents, photographs, videos and witnesses where lawfully available.
2. VERIFY
Separate verified facts from rumours, assumptions and allegations.
3. REPORT
Approach the appropriate police, administrative or statutory authority.
4. LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Obtain qualified legal advice and pursue appropriate remedies.
5. ESCALATE LAWFULLY
Where a complaint is not appropriately addressed, use the available appeal, review, commission or judicial mechanisms.
6. PUBLIC AWARENESS
Communicate verified information responsibly through press and digital platforms.
7. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Coordinate lawful assistance from Christian organisations, churches, pastors and community members.
8. FOLLOW-UP
Track complaints and legal proceedings until an appropriate lawful outcome is reached.
XIV. PCF’S NATIONAL CALL
We call upon:
Christian citizens
Pastors
Bishops
Churches
Christian organisations
Christian educational institutions
Legal professionals
Social workers
Journalists
Human-rights advocates
Public representatives
Constitutional authorities
to work peacefully and lawfully for:
EQUALITY
JUSTICE
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
DIGNITY
SAFETY
CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION
XV. OUR MESSAGE TO INDIAN CHRISTIANS
Do not remain silent because you are afraid.
But also:
Do not respond with violence.
Do not spread unverified information.
Do not take the law into your own hands.
Know your constitutional rights.
Document your grievance.
Seek legal advice.
Approach the competent authority.
Use democratic institutions.
Stand together peacefully.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
DOCUMENT YOUR CASE.
USE THE LAW.
SEEK JUSTICE.
XVI. PCF’S CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENT
The Persecuted Christians Forum (PCF) declares that its advocacy is based on the principles of:
CONSTITUTIONALISM
EQUALITY
RULE OF LAW
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
HUMAN DIGNITY
DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION
PEACEFUL ADVOCACY
LEGAL REMEDIES
PCF seeks protection and justice for Christians within the Constitution of India and the rule of law.
We believe that the constitutional promise of India must belong to every citizen without discrimination.
OUR SLOGAN
✝️ “WE ARE INDIAN CHRISTIANS.
WE ARE CITIZENS OF INDIA.
WE ASK FOR EQUALITY, JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION.”
SERVE • PROTECT • SUPPORT • EMPOWER
PCF EMERGENCY & SUPPORT HELPLINE
1800 3090 777
TOLL-FREE EMERGENCY HELPLINE
PCF TEAM: 9290761702
For genuine emergencies and constitutional/legal-rights concerns, contact PCF and provide accurate information and available evidence.
Persecuted Christians Forum (PCF)
DISCLAIMER
This manifesto is a public awareness and advocacy document expressing the concerns and position of PCF. It is not a substitute for legal advice, a judicial finding, or an official determination of any individual allegation. References to persecution, discrimination, administrative failure, media bias, political or ideological influence, or denial of rights refer to concerns, complaints or allegations raised by PCF or affected persons unless independently established by a competent authority or supported by identified evidence. Individual cases must be determined according to their facts, applicable law and competent institutional processes.
PCF rejects violence, hatred, threats, retaliation and discrimination against any religious, caste, ethnic or social community. PCF advocates peaceful, lawful and democratic action for constitutional rights and justice for all.