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India

• Converts Face Ostracism and Fear

  Twenty-three tribal families in a remote village in West Bengal are facing social ostracism and intimidation after converting to Christianity and are living in fear for their safety. According to a January 21 news story in the Hindustan Times, the families from the village of Kasundipara have been threatened, relatives have been prevented from visiting, and other villagers have been told not to speak with them. According to the news story, police in the area have been informed of the threats, but no protection has been provided for the families.

  Militant Hindu groups have been arguing that people have been lured into converting to Christianity through promises of material goods, jobs, free education and healthcare. In some states in India, new laws have been passed to severely restrict religious conversions. Earlier this month it was announced that the Gujarat government is introducing anti-conversion legislation similar to that of four other states in India. Christian workers in India have also been facing increasing pressure and violence from militant Hindus, including an American missionary and his Indian colleague who were beaten on January 13 in the Kerala state capital of Trivandrum. According to an AP article on January 17, there have been four arrests in connection with that attack and more are expected. Those arrested are from the RSS, a militant Hindu group opposed to Christianity and western influence in India.

  Pray for safety for the Church in India. Pray for safety for these families and others who face the cost of turning to faith in Christ. Pray that Indian Christians will be a good testimony to those around them who are persecuting them.

• Prison Superintendent Charged with Converting Inmates

  The chief superintendent of prisons at India's Pondicherry Central Jail is facing a judicial inquiry being accused of forcibly converting inmates to Christianity. According to a report from Compass Direct on January 7, Munanni, a fundamentalist Hindu group, is also demanding the suspension of Mr. G. David and calling upon state legislators to adopt an anti-conversion law similar to that in neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. The Hindu group alleges that at least three prisoners were baptized in the prison in recent weeks. While David makes no attempt to hide his Christian faith, he denies being involved in conversions. The Inspector General of Prisons has also received no complaints from inmates about conversions.

  Pray for David and other Christians facing false accusations. Pray that governments will refuse to bend to the demands from militant groups fighting for anti-conversion legislation.