India: Defending Christians Against False Charges of Forcible Conversions

An increasing number of states in India have implemented anti-conversion laws, supposedly in an effort to stop Hindus from being forcibly converted to other religions. In reality, however, these laws are often used as an excuse to harass, arrest, imprison, and intimidate Christians who distribute aid among their communities or hold private church meetings. Additionally, these laws do not seem to protect Christian converts from being coerced to return to Hinduism.

Often, persecuted followers of Jesus in India do not have the financial means to hire lawyers who can help defend them against false charges. As a result, Ramchand Saranu – a trusted ministry partner of VOMC and long-time Christian leader in central India – founded the Sui Juris Law Firm in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, with the help of Sushil George. In this episode of the Closer to the Fire podcast, Ramchand and Sushil join host Greg Musselman to discuss how they are advocating for believers being targeted for their faith under the country’s oppressive anti-conversion legislation. While sharing about past and current cases of persecution, they also explain how these laws are impacting the church in India.

Date: April 13, 2023
Length:52 minutes

Episode Notes

The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: VOMCanada.com

India Information

Current Ministry Projects
VOMC assists persecuted Christians with legal support and rehabilitation assistance, and cares for children of martyrs by providing them with a safe place to be nurtured physical and spiritually. VOMC also partners to equip Christians in India with Biblical training and works to strengthen and support marginalized and persecuted Christian women. Additionally, VOMC helps to provide medical assistance to believers who have faced injuries after being attacked.”

Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Equipping the Saints, Legal Defense, Relief and Development, Women’s Ministry, Medical Fund
Country Information
Population
1,399,179,585 (2023 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Indo-Aryan (72), Dravidian (25), other (3)

Religion (%)
Hinduism (79.8), Muslim (14.2), Christianity (2.3), Sikh (1.7), other (2)

Leader
President Droupadi Murmu (2022)

Government type
Federal parliamentary republic

Legal system
Based on English common law; separate personal law codes apply to Christians, Hindus and Muslims.

Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for India
Despite the intimidation and violence that have taken place in many of India's states, may Christians wisely yet unashamedly preach the Gospel. Pray that indigenous Christians and foreign missionaries will minister in ways that do not hint at fraudulent conversions, unmasking the intentions behind the anti-conversion legislation. Intercede for India's leaders, that they may reign with justice and righteousness.