On most winter afternoons one can find two men sitting on the pavement in Chandni Chowk. One has no feet, just legs ending around the knees; the other has no fingers in his hands, just stubs. They spread a worn out rug, occasionally dip into their meagre belongings in a shabby bag and take gutkha. Both are leprosy patients. For years they have made this pavement outside Central Baptist church their day-time home. For years, their faith has burnt bright that one day they will be cured of the disease – Jesus Christ, after all, could cure of leprosy.
They live on faith and belief. It is the same abiding faith that drives the faithful around this time of the year, and indeed, all through the year to churches across Delhi. Be it the age-old St. Stephen’s church or St James’ church – also called Skinner’s church – built in early 19 Century by Colonel James Skinnner or for the much later period Cathedral Church of Redemption, churches in Delhi have a history. In fact, Delhi’s Christian connection precedes the arrival of the British rulers, going back all the way to mid-16 Century to the time of Akbar. If Akbar and later, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb were happy with churches, it was exactly the opposite with Nadir Shah, the Persian invader, who attacked mosques and churches alike – Sunehari Masjid and Virgin Mary church could not withstand his assault. Then the rioting during the First War of Independence in 1857 damaged Central Baptist Church as well as St James’ Church.
Those dark days of unprovoked attacks on the faithful are consigned to the dustbin of history. The Capital of modern India is happy to host the best in its churches, including the likes of Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth who have attended the service here. Those services too have lapsed into history. All that endures is the Eternal One, in front of whom all are the same, the ruler and the ruled, the prince and the pauper.
