Local believers and Open Doors partners believe a ‘revengeful drive’ following the BJP’s lost majority in the recent election is behind an increase in hostility against religious minorities in India, including a spate of Christian arrests in Uttar Pradesh in June.
At least 12 more Christians were arrested on a single day in June in Uttar Pradesh, a state in north India, facing accusations of ‘conversion activities’. Two pastors are among those arrested. This follows a spate of arrests earlier that month.
The crime for these men and women? Praying. Most of the arrests took place at prayer meetings in private homes – with local villagers having reported these believers to the police. Though the law purports to prevent forced or coerced conversion, it is often misused by Hindu nationalist extremists to target Christians who are simply holding prayer meetings or sharing the gospel.
Meanwhile, in a bail application for a man who allegedly took a mentally ill man to a Christian gathering, the Allahabad High Court in Uttar Pradesh ruled that illegal conversions had taken place – adding, “If this process is allowed to be carried out, the majority population of this country would in a minority one day. […] Such religious congregations should be immediately stopped where the conversion is taking place and changing the religion of citizens of India.”
Anti-conversion law punishment worsened
Being accused of breaking Uttar Pradesh’s anti-conversion law is now even more dangerous for India’s Christians. As of 30 July, the amended Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2024 has now added life imprisonment as a possible sentence for anyone found guilty of forcibly converting another person. Previously, the maximum prison sentence was ten years.
“The new amendments will accelerate and intensify the persecution of the Christian community.”
Abhay Kumar, Open Doors partner
Under the original law (2021), a complaint against forced conversion could only be filed by the victim or a blood relative. Once the new bill is signed, however, anyone can go to the police to lodge a complaint.
“Church leaders anticipate fearful times ahead as the new amendments will accelerate and intensify the persecution of the Christian community,” says Abhay Kumar*, a local Open Doors partner. “First-generation Christians will feel the immediate effect as they will be intensely targeted, and house churches and their pastors will be viewed as anti-national.”
The National Council of Churches in India also released a statement in which it condemned the new regulations. It said: “We object to this law in so far as it violates the provisions of the Indian Constitution. Conversion itself is not an offence unless induced by undue influence, misrepresentation, or coercion, which only the victim can claim.
“The anti-conversion law encroaches on the constitutional right to freely practise and profess religion, a fundamental human right recognised by both the Indian Constitution and international human rights standards.”
Please keep praying for Christians in Uttar Pradesh – for peace as they face increased danger, for strength and resilience from the Lord, and for grace to keep sharing the gospel with their neighbours and communities.
*Name changed for security reasons
please pray
- For the safety, wellbeing and acquittal of all arrested believers
- That the anti-conversion laws will be repealed or amended to stop them from being misused to target religious minorities
- For wisdom, courage and discernment for Christians who are vulnerable to false accusations.
please give
- Every HK$280 can provide emergency food to 2 Indian believers affected by extreme persecution
- Every HK$390 can train 20 believers and equip them with a biblical response to persecution
- Every HK$640 can help a persecuted community establish a livelihood and give financial security
*Any excess funds will be used to strengthen other persecuted Christians where urgent help is needed.
MY GIFT: INDIA
