A Hindu cleric insists that tribal Christians in the village of Rajura in state of Maharashtra convert their church into a Hindu temple or face social ostracism or death. According to a February 14 report from Compass Direct, the cleric, Sunil Ji Maharaj, has alleged that the Christians were originally converted by force and demands that they return to Hinduism. He has also urged Hindu villagers to kill the Christians and threatened to issue a 10,000 rupee ($280 CDN) fine to anyone who maintains contact with the Christians.
The Christians in Rajura originally migrated from the central state of Madhya Pradesh twenty years ago in search of work. Many work on farms owned by Hindus. According to Rev. P.V. Joseph, the priest responsible for the Catholic church in Rajura, there had been no problems in the area until Maharaj called a meeting on January 17, calling for action against the Christians. Initially, the Christians filed a police complaint but, in the face of threats, the complaint has been withdrawn.
Pray for a resolution to this issue, so that Hindu and Christian neighbours can restore their peaceful co-existence. Pray for wisdom for the church leaders in the community, as they determine the best course of action.
For more information on the some of the difficulties endured by Christians in India , go to https://www.vomcanada.com/india.htm.
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