Priest dies after being beaten by Hindu militants in Orissa


Father Bernard Digal, marked with the red cross
Photo from GCIC

On October 28, Father Bernard Digal (48), died after succumbing to injuries he suffered in an attack by Hindu militants in Kandhamal, Orissa in late August. Thousands of believers attended the funeral for the martyred priest on October 31, commending his courage, his tireless commitment to working with persecuted Christians and his willingness to forgive those who brutally beat him.

Thank the Lord for the life and work of Father Digal. Pray that those who mourn for him will find strength and peace in Christ. Pray that God will embolden Christians in India to follow in his example of cross-bearing discipleship in an environment of opposition (1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16).

More about Christians suffering for righteousness' sake in India can be found by visiting India's Country Report.

November 05, 2008
E-mail Print
 

India Profile

Location
Asia

Population
1,189,172,906 (July 2011 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), Mongoloid and other (3)

Religion (%)
Hindu (74.33), Muslim (14.20), Christian* (5.84), Sikh (1.86), Other (3.27)
*For many reasons, the most recent census (2001) significantly underenumerated Christians at 2.34%.
Christian researchers in India indicate much higher results, even up to 9%. New 2011 census results are expected before 2013.

Leader
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil

Government type
Federal republic

Legal system
Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Statistics provided by CIA World Factbook and Operation World.

Vidoes:

The Overcomers
June 2011

Kids at Sideras Children’s Home sing unto the Lord!

Indian Voices


Audio:

The Overcomers:
June 2011

The Overcomers:
May 2011

Persecution News - India

Karnataka most dangerous state for Christians
(January 19, 2012)

Update: Falsely imprisoned pastor released
(December 15, 2011)

Police detain, beat converts from Islam
(November 24, 2011)

Students at orphanage forced to pay idol worship fee
(October 13, 2011)

Pastor's father beaten unconscious
(July 07, 2011)

Christians attacked and threatened in Jharkhand state
(June 16, 2011)

Christian leader attacked by militants
(April 28, 2011)

> View all stories from India