Photo by David Dibert
As an Asian church leader, I am grieved by the controversies in America and Western democracies over President Trump’s public affirmation of Christianity. These nations, often overlooking their Christian heritage, enjoy freedoms of belief and expression rooted in this legacy.
My aim is not to defend Trump’s policies, which have yielded mixed global outcomes, particularly for the poor affected by reduced aid. While Trump’s “America first” stance mirrors other nations’ priorities, his administration could have shown greater compassion.
It is also important to acknowledge the merit to claims that American generosity has been exploited, with China as a notable example.
Even still, my heart lies with millions of Christians worldwide enduring anti-Christian bias, persecution, killings, and eroding religious freedom. In India, the decline in our liberties is devastating. Draconian anti-conversion laws in North Indian states prohibit house church prayer, while in Assam, praying for healing or deliverance is outlawed.
These restrictions misjudge the outpouring of Jesus’ Spirit across India, where countless souls encounter His love, power, and restoration. This divine awakening, wrongly characterized as forced conversions, is spontaneous, not coercive.
History affirms Christianity thrives under persecution, and Jesus’ followers in India will grow. There is no intent to forge a political Christian nation; Jesus’ Kingdom is a spiritual reality, not an earthly empire.
For Christians suffering globally, the White House’s celebration of Easter under Trump shines as a beacon. Easter, the heartbeat of our faith, unveils the empty tomb, its stone rolled away, proclaiming the risen Christ who shatters death’s chains.
Picture Him, arms outstretched, not bound to the cross, His radiant light piercing the dawn — a mystic vision glowing like stained glass in every believer’s soul. This symbolism of resurrection, new life, and unconquered hope inspires persecuted Christians to persevere, trusting the Risen Lord holds history.
In contrast, Europe’s post-Christian societies offer token gestures to the faith that shaped their freedoms, dimming their spiritual legacy. Other faiths, like Hinduism, are honored in the White House, and we rejoice — Christian freedom embraces all.
In India, Hindu festivals flourish through the Prime Minister’s office and Parliament, yet Christians yearn for Easter’s recognition as our faith’s pinnacle. Recent steps — Prime Minister Modi hosting Christian leaders for Christmas or visiting a Catholic church — are encouraging.
But Easter, with its symbols of the cross as victory, the empty tomb as promise, and light as divine presence, celebrates Jesus’ sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, restoring hope to billions. I envision India’s leaders inviting Christians to celebrate Easter in the Prime Minister’s office, the risen Christ’s image radiant, uniting us in respect for the resurrection’s transformative power.
This would honor India’s pluralism and the faith of millions.
Archbishop Joseph D’Souza is an internationally renowned human and civil rights activist. He is the founder of Dignity Freedom Network, an organization that advocates for and delivers humanitarian aid to the marginalized and outcastes of South Asia. He is archbishop of the Anglican Good Shepherd Church of India and serves as the President of the All India Christian Council.
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