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Christians form 0.2% of the total population numbering around 150.35 Thousand in Haryana, India as per as the 2011 census. Many converts to Christianity keep their original identity to exploit the benefits of reservation. JRev. Henry Martyn, Rev. Daniel Corrie & Rev. M. D. Wilson were missionaries who came here in 1780's. The Diocese of Roman Catholic Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh has its seat in Chandigarh as does the Roman Catholic diocese of Haryana. There are many of settlements with a Christian congregation.
There are numerous denominations, including the United Church of North India (UCNI), Protestant Church, Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church, Eternal Light Ministries, Evangelical Fellowship, the Pentecostal Mission, Pentecostal and Independent Churches.[1]
History
editProtestant missionaries began working in India around 1700, which led to the establishment of Christian communities in Haryana.
Thereafter Several Christian Missionaries came to Haryana both during British India era and post independence to spread the gospel among the people of Haryana. They were prominent among the Grand Trunk Road Route due well connectivity and fertile land for residence.
Pre Independence
editChristianity arrived in Haryana in the early 19th century, during the British colonial period. British Anglican missionary Priests of Church Missionary Society were the prominent figures in laying the foundation of Early Christianity in Haryana, first of these Priests were a part of The Delhi Mission. Key figures involved in the establishment and early work of the Delhi Mission include:
Preaching Gospel by Priests & Nuns
editRev. Henry Martyn was the first British missionary who worked in India between 1781-1812 and played a significant role in the early days of the Delhi Mission. Rev. Daniel Corrie was also a British missionary who served as the first secretary of the CMS in India and was instrumental in establishing the Delhi Mission from 1777-1837. Rev. M. D. Wilson: A British missionary who worked in the Delhi Mission and contributed to its growth and development. Rev. Midgley served in the Delhi Mission working Worked in the areas now in Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi during 1830s-1840s. They all contributed in establishment of schools and churches in the region.
5. (1840s-1850s) Rev. Hooper - Served in the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in India - Worked in the Delhi Mission, focusing on evangelism and education - Contributed to the translation of Christian literature into local languages
6. (1850s-1860s) Rev. Forman - Served in the CMS in India (1850s-1860s) - Worked in the Punjab and Haryana regions, establishing churches and schools - Played a key role in promoting women's education in the region. - evangelist William Taylor in 1870 founded St. Thomas Church, Hisar
Post Independence
editPost independence the majority of area was affected due to devastating scenario followed by partition the releif and charity work done by Priests along with various nun congregations lead to spread of Christianity among the masses affected due to partition.
Nun congregations of sisters established by the respective female missionaries in Haryana also played an important role in preaching the gospel along with the remarkable charity work of education among underprivileged and empowerment of women by skill development.
1870 The founder of the Catholic Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel (AC) is Mother Veronica of the Passion (Sophie Leeves). Catholic Sisters of the Apostolic Carmel (AC)*:
- Arrived in Ambala, Haryana
The Sisters of Charity of St. Bartholomew (SCSB) were founded by Saint Bartholomew of the Martyrs in 1624 in France.
In 1934 Haryana, the congregation was introduced by Mother Mary Gonzaga (Maria Luisa de Jesus), who led the first group of SCSB sisters to India in 1934 and established the congregation in Ambala, Haryana in 1951.
1951 Sisters of Charity of St. Bartholomew (SCSB)*:
- Established their first community in Ambala, Haryana
On 26 August 1962 Rt. Rev. John Burke layed foundation of Immaculate Heart Church, Karnal 4. * 1964 The Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod (SCC) arrived in Haryana in 1964. They established their community in Faridabad, Haryana. The Sisters of the Cross of Chavanod (SCC) were founded by Claudine Thévenet (also known as Mother Mary of St. Ignatius) in 1838 in Lyon, France. (SCC)*:
- Established their community in Faridabad, Haryana
5. 1972 Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes (SJT)*: The leader who introduced the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tarbes (SJT) to Haryana in 1972 was Mother Marie Josephine.
- Established their community in Panipat, Haryana
1984 Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (FIHM)*:
- Established their community in Jhajjar, Haryana The Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (FIHM) were founded by Mother Mary Francis of the Five Wounds in 1841, in Pondicherry, India.
In Haryana, the congregation was introduced by Mother Patricia, who led the first group of FIHM sisters to Jhajjar, Haryana in 1984.
6. * 1993 Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate (UMI)*:
- Established their community in Karnal, Haryana Mother Teresa Joseph, who led the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate (UMI) to Haryana in 1956, came from Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Establishment of Academic institutions
editDuring British India Missionaries not only spread the message of gospel but also emphasized on strengthening the academic scenario wherever they settled. Notable Christian institutions established in Haryana over a period of past 50 years during this by Christian Missionaries
- St. Thomas' School, Sonipat established by Rev. Hooper 1886. - Bishop Cotton School, Hisar established by Rev. Forman in 1891. - The Presbyterian Mission College, Julana, Jind established by Rev. Forman in 1913. - St. Theresa's Convent Sr. Sec. School, Karnal founded by Fr Christanand, Sr. Agnella and Sr. Verena in January 14, 1961. [2]
Reports indicate a rise in violence against Christians, with numerous incidents of harassment, false accusations, and physical assaults.
In 2023, Haryana recorded 44 cases of violence against Christians, reflecting a pattern of targeted attacks across India.
Converts from Hinduism often face intense pressure, including threats, job loss, and social ostracism.
Government and Legal Challenges
editChristian organizations face significant hurdles, including restrictions on foreign funding and registration issues under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Many churches and ministries struggle to maintain operations due to bureaucratic obstacles and the threat of legal action