“Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:24)
The Association of Theologically Trained Women of India (ATTWI) joins countless citizens across our country in grieving and condemning the violence, fear and uncertainty that have marked recent weeks in our country.
As women theologians, teachers/educators, pastors, researchers, advocacy experts, and practitioners, we believe that faith cannot remain silent when justice is wounded. We believe God consistently hears the cries of those whose voices are ignored, stands beside those whose dignity is violated, and calls communities to build societies marked by truth, integrity, and justice for the most vulnerable.
It is therefore with deep sorrow that we witness reports of police violence against students and young people peacefully protesting concerns relating to corruption in education, examination paper leaks and the conduct of the NEET examinations—issues directly impacting their wellbeing and future as citizens of this country. A generation that asks for transparency and fairness deserves dialogue, accountability and respect—not intimidation or force. We are equally disturbed by reports of the arrest and temporary detention of women participating in peaceful demonstrations calling for the immediate and unconditional implementation of 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, including such actions in Chennai yesterday.
ATTWI is part of the National Coalition on Women’s Reservation (NCWR)—a coalition of women’s movements and networks. We join the growing voices of women’s organisations, civil society movements and ecumenical bodies across India urging for the delinking of women’s reservation from the census and delimitation, and calling for immediate and unconditional operationalisation of the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act/ Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, which provides for one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
We acknowledge the recent press conferences in Delhi and Chennai, the public statement of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), and the joint appeal issued by the National United Christian Forum (NUCF) that comprises the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), as well as the Indian Christian Women’s Movement’s (ICWM) involvement in the NCWR efforts.
Our solidarity is not only expressed in words. Members of ATTWI join the “33 Minutes for 33%” campaign promoted by NCCI, also a member in the NCWR, as a daily public witness from 5.00 p.m. to 5.33 p.m., standing in prayerful solidarity with women across India until this constitutional right is granted.
The prophet Micah asks: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Justice, therefore, is not merely about laws or courts. It is about restoring relationships broken by the misuse of power. It is measured by whether those whose voices are ignored are heard, whether those who are excluded are welcomed, and whether those who suffer are treated with dignity.
To the students, and young people whose hope has been shaken and close to despair, we remember Paul’s words to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12): “Let no one despise your youth.” Your questions, your convictions and your commitment to justice are not diminished by your age. The Church and society are called to listen to the voices of young people with respect, not suspicion.
To the older generation that is equally traumatized by what is happening to the protesting young people and women, let us hold on to and believe in the Scriptures that say our sons and daughters shall prophesy, our old people dream dreams, and the young shall see visions (Joel 2:28).
We pray for comfort to young people reeling from trauma, empathy and integrity in those maintaining law and order, repentance where there is abuse of power, wisdom among those in governance, and renewed hope among all who continue to believe that democracy must remain accountable to its people.
Our prayer is not only that justice will come, but that we ourselves will have the courage to become people through whom justice flows.
Let us remain steadfast until justice indeed flows like a river!
Issued by ATTWI, 23 July 2026
References: Reuters (21 July 2026). Thousands protest in India after clashes, despite Modi assuring action on exams; Reuters (22 July 2026). Food, fury and supporters near and far keep India protest alive; Associated Press (23 July 2026). Protest movement overview; Human Rights Watch (23 July 2026). India: Excessive Force Used Against Student Protesters; Hindustan Times. Lathis, tears, barricades: How CJP march was halted by police; LiveLaw. Delhi High Court orders preservation of CCTV footage relating to police response at Jantar Mantar protests; Deccan Herald. 'Don't want delay, want 33% quota': Women activists vow stir during Parliament session; NUCF/CBCI/NCCI/EFI joint statement demanding immediate and unconditional implementation of Women's Reservation; NCCI official X statement supporting immediate implementation of 33% reservation; NCWR Press Release (22 July 2026); '33 Minutes for 33%' campaign document.
