India, June 29 -- It has always been clear that the preferred method of persecuting Christians in India is not unleashing mobs alone. It has always been complemented by law, bureaucracy and propaganda. The objective was never merely to attack churches, but to weaken the Church's ability to serve, to speak and to stand with the poor.

The executive amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules are a classic example. Without Parliament debating the pending amendments to the parent legislation, the government has quietly enacted sweeping restrictions through subordinate legislation.

But laws alone do not shape public opinion. They require a willing propaganda machinery.

The treatment meted out to the Missionaries of Charity in...