Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Hinduphobia Surges as Christian and Islamist Groups Target Hindus in US Seminars
Some Christian and Muslim groups in California are holding seminars that criticize Hinduism and Hindu nationalism.
Hindu organizations in the US are very upset about this.
They say these seminars are happening at a time when there's a lot of hate and discrimination against Hindus in America, called Hinduphobia.
These Hindu groups point to a history of anti-Hindu actions by the Muslim group involved, IAMC.
They also mention that Hindus have faced many problems like hate crimes and online harassment.
The Hindu groups are questioning why these seminars are being held and if any public funding is involved.
They feel these events are not about peace but about targeting Hindus.
Christian and Islamist groups, including the NY State Council of Churches and IAMC, are organizing seminars in California critical of Hinduism.
The seminars, titled 'The Weaponization of Hinduism,' are co-organized by IAMC and sponsored in part by the United Methodist Church.
Hindu American organizations like HAF and CoHNA have strongly condemned the events, citing rising Hinduphobia in the US.
IAMC is described by critics as an Islamist group with a history of anti-Hindu and anti-India activities and alleged ties to terror outfits.
Hindu groups highlight increasing incidents of Hinduphobia, including hate crimes, temple desecrations, and online harassment, and question the purpose and funding of the seminars.
- Who
- New York State Council of Churches (NYCOC), Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Hindu American Foundation (HAF), Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), White Christian Nationalisms Task Force of the United Methodist Church
- What
- A series of interfaith seminars focused on criticizing Hinduism and Hindu nationalism, sparking outrage and criticism from Hindu American groups who decry rising Hinduphobia.
- When
- November 20-23 (specific year not stated, but context implies recent past/present); ongoing rise in Hinduphobia.
- Where
- Northern California (Roseville, Alameda, Santa Rosa, Berkeley, San Jose)
- Why
- The seminars aim to discuss 'The Weaponization of Hinduism' and 'Religious Nationalisms.' Hindu groups state the events are part of a larger pattern of Hinduphobia and hate.
NY State Council of Churches (NYCOC) & IAMC
Hindu American Groups (HAF & CoHNA)
Nature of Seminars
NY State Council of Churches (NYCOC) & IAMC
Seminars focus on 'The Weaponization of Hinduism' and 'Religious Nationalisms' with Hindutva as a case study, framed as educational interfaith events.
Hindu American Groups (HAF & CoHNA)
Seminars are seen as peddling 'provocative lies' against Hindus, promoting Hinduphobia, and targeting peaceful Hindu Californians under the guise of interfaith dialogue.
IAMC's Role and History
NY State Council of Churches (NYCOC) & IAMC
The article implies IAMC is a rights advocacy group that critiques certain aspects of religious nationalism.
Hindu American Groups (HAF & CoHNA)
IAMC is described as an 'Islamist outfit' with a history of anti-Hindu and anti-India activities, alleged links to terror groups, and promoting antisemitism, with concerns raised about their funding and agenda.
Perceived Hinduphobia in US
NY State Council of Churches (NYCOC) & IAMC
The article focuses on the perceived negative portrayal of Hinduism and Hindu nationalism.
Hindu American Groups (HAF & CoHNA)
Hinduphobia is presented as a significant and growing problem in the US, manifesting in hate crimes, temple desecrations, online harassment, discriminatory rhetoric, and biased media and academic narratives.
- Event Title
- The Weaponization of Hinduism in Northern California and India and the Relationships to Global Religious Nationalisms
- Organizers
- New York State Council of Churches (NYCOC), Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), White Christian Nationalisms Task Force of the California-Nevada Conference of the United Methodist Church
- Locations
- United Methodist churches in Roseville, Alameda, and Santa Rosa; First Church Berkeley (United Church of Christ); Sikh Gurudwara Sahib in San Jose, California
- Dates
- November 20-23 (Specific year not mentioned, but implied as current)
- Presenters
- The Reverend Peter Cook, The Reverend Neal Christie, The Right Reverend Joshua Lickter
- Criticizing Organizations
- Hindu American Foundation (HAF), Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA)
- IAMC Accusations
- Alleged ties to banned Islamic terror outfit SIMI, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-e-Islami; promoting antisemitism; involvement in anti-India campaigns.