A Lambeth Palace spokesman said today (30 January):

"The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey, condemns the recent reports of attacks on Christians in India. He is deeply concerned at the tragic loss of life and the destruction of property. He wishes to express his shock at what seems to be the persecution of Christian communities in India.

"He is particularly saddened that this takes place at a time when relations between peoples of different faiths are improving, both in this country and elsewhere in the world. He is surprised that Christians are apparently being penalised for their faith by members of religions which are known to have fine and long-standing traditions of tolerance and respect for other faiths.

"The Archbishop wishes to express publicly his dismay at this phenomenon, and calls on the government of India, and all places where persecution exists, to ensure for minority communities the same level of respect and tolerance that they rightly expect to receive in this country. He believes such reciprocity to be a fundamental necessity for the growth of true peace and justice which is at the heart of most of the great religions of the world."