Kashmir has about five historic churches built during the British colonial period.¹ Today, Christians in Kashmir are a very small minority, and many are former Muslims who converted to Christianity. According to the 2011 census, Christians made up only 0.3% of the population of the former State of Jammu and Kashmir. They live cautiously and keep a low profile, mainly reaching out to the wider community through care ministries and social welfare work.

Because of ongoing tensions, military controls, and restrictions on movement, Christian activity in Kashmir is limited. At times, Hindu nationalist (Hindutva) groups have also incited crowds to carry out violent attacks. When local Muslims convert through the work of foreign missionaries, local Christians worry that the situation may be framed as “outside interference.”

Despite these obstacles, Kashmiri Christians remain hopeful. For example, after Jammu and Kashmir came under the administration of India’s central government in 2019, churches were able to be restored and reopened. Christians also came to enjoy the same rights as other religious minorities in other parts of India. In addition, Christian institutions were permitted to own land.

1 These include Holy Family Catholic Church, All Saints Church, and St. Luke’s Church in Srinagar; St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Baramulla; and St. Mary’s Church in Gulmarg.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, whoever heeds instruction will prosper, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. May the Christians of Kashmir not see themselves as weak or insignificant. May Christ dwell in their hearts through faith, so that they may be rooted and grounded in love and, together with all the saints, grasp how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is. May they be strong and courageous. In the narrow spaces of their lives and circumstances, help them to stand firm, bear faithful witness, and be salt and light for the Lord, drawing others to Jesus. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.