Good news, though I have to point out that one of the biggest states for Christianity is Goa, which is kind of an odd, outlier case. Goa was a Portuguese protectorate until quite recently, and as such was a strongly-Catholic center, and still is. As such, it’s faith is not the result of the Christian ministries working in India, but of colonization. Without that outside pressure, Goa is likely going to fade (eventually) back into being just another state. Rather than trying for converts out in the hinterlands, where missionaries run the risk of running afoul of the proselytizing laws, I would say efforts should be made to restrengthen the power base in Goa, and radiate out from there.
I agree. You get a bigger harvest by planting your seeds where the ground is most fertile.
I think Goa will come out strong Catholic. I’ve forgotten which Catholic it is that they are trying to move to saint-hood. My information is five or six years old, though.
So your plan is sheep stealing.
1) I know Goan Catholics. I don’t imagine that Goa is immune to the problems of the FrancisChurch, but believe me, there is strong faith, not just the residue of imperialism. If what you say about Goa is true, why wouldn’t all of India have been Anglican?
2) Many Indian Catholics are from churches founded by St. Thomas, and are therefore far older than you can imagine. Some, but not all, of these churches recognize the Catholic Church. Their existence is an utter blow to the pagan and restorationist about the supposed invention of Catholicism/Orthodoxy by emperor Constantine.
I used to have a friend from Goa. He said that India made a big effort to move Hindus into Goa and dilute the Portuguese/Christian influenced heritage. This was told to me in the 90s. I would imagine the trend has continued since then.