Christianity is a minority in Delhi, the National Capital Territory of India. There are far more Hindus than Christians in Delhi. A diocese of Delhi of the Church of North India exists. A Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Delhi and Central Baptist Church (Delhi) exist. St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral Hauz Khas belongs to the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church.
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Christianity in Delhi date backs to Mughal emperor Akbars era. Emperor Akbar was known for his secular theology. A Jesuit priest was invited by Akbar from Goa in 1579 to receive knowledge about Christianity. In 1723 Father Desideri founded the city church and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church was destroyed by Nadir shah who had invaded Delhi. Jesuit priests managed to save their lives by hiding in a tumbledown house. During the reign of emperor Aurangzeb there was a decline in Christianity. [1] [2] Sir Thomas Roe , King James I's ambassador to India during Jahagir's reign tells the story of two princes conversion to Christianity including his nephew only to enable Jehangir's demand to Portuguese wife for himself, which was unsuccessful.[3]
Christianity was introduced to Delhi for the second time by British. British soldiers made many churches for their worship. The Church of England sent many missionaries to India to propagate gospel among people who were unaware of Christianity. Many people were converted to Christianity by their will. Many people were working under British government. during 1857 revolt Several sepoys who had stayed loyal to the Company were removed by the mutineers and killed, either because of their loyalty or because "they had become Christian, and many British men and women were slaughtered. Once again Christianity declined in Delhi. [4]