Since the implementation of anti-conversion laws in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra States, the risks and requirements of simply attending a church service are rapidly multiplying for believers and seekers in these regions. Please pray for our brothers and sisters as they navigate increasing pressures.
“Only Christians are allowed to enter church for prayers. If others come of their own free will, they will be held responsible for their choice.”
Signs bearing this warning have been set up outside over ten churches in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh State, India. In the wake of a recently implemented anti-conversion law, the signs have been placed, perhaps surprisingly, by the churches themselves.
Why would a church put up a sign that might discourage people from attending? The reason is to prevent potential violence backlash. Hindutva [Hindu nationalist] extremist groups are increasingly targeting churches with accusations of forced conversions, as are the Indian authorities. Such incidents have been numerous over the past year in parts of India that have instated anti-conversion laws – for instance at a Christian conference in Rajasthan State in June. These signs are precautions against further incidents.
The placement of the signs follows the submission of more than 1,000 self-declaration forms from people who are not registered as Christians stating that they are visiting churches voluntarily. These forms require applicants to provide personal details, information about the place of worship and a declaration that they have not been unduly influenced, threatened or deceived to attend.
Documentation demanded
However, Chhattisgarh State isn’t the only state to see such developments.
On 28 August, Maharashtra State implemented an anti-conversion law introducing stricter legal provisions against forced religious conversions. The ripple effects of these changes are evident, notably in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) of the state.
In response to the law, local pastors in the region have been asking Christian attendees to fill out self-declaration forms stating that they are participating in church meetings of their own free will. The forms require that believers deny any ‘pressure, inducement, temptation, lure or threat of any kind’ and that their decision to attend church is ‘completely personal, voluntary and independent.’
Alongside this declaration, believers must supply identity documents and photos to prove their statement, increasing the barriers to the much-cherished fellowship that enables Christians in Maharashtra State to stand firm and grow in their faith.
‘Faith without fear’
These worrying developments point to the growing pattern of restrictions and suspicion towards believers. This pattern, at present, is affecting our brothers and sisters in Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra States – however, it could continue to ripple out to other areas where Christians are already experiencing persecution and discrimination because of anti-conversion laws.
“We request prayers for the church in India.”
Priya Sharma
“Christian leaders and believers have become concerned as a result of these reports regarding the freedom and safety of Christian worship,” says Priya Sharma*, a local Open Doors partner in India. “We request prayers for the church in India, that it may receive protection, courage, wisdom, justice and peace, and for the freedom of every person to practise their faith without fear.”
Your prayers for believers in India are vital in this time of growing limitation and anxiety. Thank you.
*Name changed for security reasons
Source: www.opendoorsuk.org
