The Catholic Church's official mouthpiece in Kerala, Deepika, has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what it describes as "double standards" regarding Christian persecution. This editorial comes as the BJP seeks to gain support from the Catholic community ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala. The article highlights a troubling rise in violence against Christians across India, noting that while BJP leaders in states with significant Christian populations present themselves as allies, they simultaneously enable attacks on Christians in other regions like Maharashtra and Odisha.

The editorial points out alarming developments, such as a BJP MLA offering cash rewards for attacks on Catholic priests and plans for strict anti-conversion laws that have instilled fear among Christians in Maharashtra. It argues that the BJP's political strategy is twofold: promoting majoritarian dominance while undermining India's democratic values.

Citing a report from the United Christian Forum, it mentions over 4,300 incidents of violence against Christians recorded between 2014 and 2024, with a significant increase noted in recent years. The editorial concludes by urging the BJP to clarify its stance on minority rights before seeking support from the Christian community.

Original article

This article doesn't give you a clear plan or steps to take, so it's not very helpful for doing something right away. It's more like a story about what's happening in India, telling you about some bad things that have been happening to Christians there. It talks about how a big political party, the BJP, is acting in a strange way, saying one thing to some people and doing something different with others. The article uses big numbers to show how many bad things have happened, but it doesn't really explain why or how to stop them. It's more like a big picture story, not a how-to guide. It might make you feel worried, but it doesn't give you a clear way to help or change things. It's more like a news report, and it doesn't really help you in your everyday life or tell you what to do.

The described actions of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards Christian communities in India undermine the trust and responsibility within local kinship bonds and threaten the protection of vulnerable members, including children and elders. The reported rise in violence against Christians, coupled with the BJP's alleged double standards in addressing these issues, erodes community trust and creates an environment of fear.

The promotion of majoritarian dominance while undermining democratic values can lead to the imposition of forced economic or social dependencies that fracture family cohesion. This can result in the removal or diminishment of natural duties of fathers, mothers, and extended kin to raise children and care for elders, as families may become increasingly reliant on distant or impersonal authorities for support.

Furthermore, the creation of strict anti-conversion laws and the offering of cash rewards for attacks on Catholic priests can be seen as an attempt to shift family responsibilities onto distant authorities, rather than upholding the personal duties that bind families and communities together. This can have long-term consequences on the continuity of communities and the stewardship of the land.

The reported incidents of violence against Christians also raise concerns about the protection of modesty and safeguarding the vulnerable. The erosion of local authority and family power to maintain boundaries essential to family protection and community trust can increase risk or confusion.

If these ideas and behaviors spread unchecked, they will have severe consequences for families, children yet to be born, community trust, and the stewardship of the land. The breakdown of community trust and the erosion of family responsibilities will lead to a decline in procreative continuity, as families may become less inclined to invest in their children's future. The lack of protection for vulnerable members will also lead to a decline in social cohesion, making it more challenging for communities to come together to address common challenges.

Ultimately, the survival of communities depends on deeds and daily care, not merely identity or feelings. It is essential for individuals and groups to take personal responsibility for their actions and work towards restitution through apology, fair repayment, or renewed commitment to community duties. By emphasizing local accountability and personal responsibility, communities can rebuild trust and work towards a more harmonious coexistence.

In conclusion, if these behaviors continue unchecked:

- Family cohesion will deteriorate due to imposed dependencies. - Community trust will break down due to violence against minorities. - Vulnerable members will be left unprotected. - Procreative continuity will decline due to decreased investment in children's futures. - Social cohesion will decline as communities fail to address common challenges together. - Local authority will erode as distant authorities gain control over family responsibilities.

It is crucial for individuals and groups to prioritize deeds over identity or feelings, focusing on rebuilding trust through personal actions such as apology or renewed commitment to community duties.

"The Catholic Church's official mouthpiece in Kerala, Deepika, has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what it describes as 'double standards' regarding Christian persecution."

This sentence shows a bias towards the Catholic Church and its viewpoint. By calling Deepika the "official mouthpiece," it gives an air of authority and legitimacy to the Church's criticism. The use of the word "official" implies that the Church's opinion is the only valid one, leaving no room for alternative perspectives.

The text expresses a range of emotions, primarily conveying a sense of concern, alarm, and frustration. These emotions are evident throughout the article, building a narrative that aims to evoke a strong reaction from its readers.

The emotion of concern is evident in the article's description of the "troubling rise in violence against Christians" across India. The use of the word "troubling" implies a deep worry about the situation, suggesting that the violence is not only an issue of physical harm but also a threat to the fabric of society and democratic values. This concern is further emphasized by the mention of the United Christian Forum's report, which details over 4,300 incidents of violence, indicating a widespread and serious problem.

Alarm is another prominent emotion, particularly in the description of the BJP MLA's offer of cash rewards for attacks on Catholic priests. This action is shocking and alarming, as it suggests a direct incitement to violence and a disregard for human life and religious freedom. The mention of plans for strict anti-conversion laws also contributes to this sense of alarm, as it implies a potential threat to the religious freedom and safety of Christians in Maharashtra.

Frustration is also evident, especially in the editorial's criticism of the BJP's "double standards." The accusation of presenting themselves as allies in some states while enabling attacks in others suggests a manipulative and insincere political strategy. This frustration is likely intended to provoke a strong reaction from readers, especially those who value consistency and integrity in political leadership.

These emotions are strategically employed to guide the reader's reaction and shape their opinion. By evoking concern and alarm, the writer aims to highlight the severity of the issue and encourage readers to take it seriously. The frustration expressed towards the BJP's perceived hypocrisy is likely intended to sway readers' opinions, making them more critical of the party's actions and potentially less inclined to support them.

The writer's use of emotional language and persuasive techniques is evident throughout. The repetition of words like "attacks," "violence," and "fear" emphasizes the emotional impact of these incidents, making them more vivid and memorable. The comparison between the BJP's behavior in different states is a powerful tool, as it highlights the contrast between their public image and their alleged actions, creating a sense of distrust. Additionally, the use of specific, shocking details, such as the cash rewards for attacks, adds an element of extremity, further heightening the emotional impact.

In summary, the text employs a strategic use of emotion to guide readers' reactions, aiming to evoke concern, alarm, and frustration. These emotions are carefully woven into the narrative to shape the reader's perception of the BJP and the issue of Christian persecution, ultimately urging the BJP to clarify its stance on minority rights.