Anti-Conversion Legislation Announced as 5000 Graduate from Bible School

In another development in India, the ruling BJP in Rajasthan announced last week that they are planning to introduce anti-conversion legislation in the north-western state.

Last week, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on militant Hindus preventing students from attending graduation ceremonies of Emmanuel Bible College and Seminary in Kota, Rajasthan.  We are thankful to report that authorities eventually intervened and the ceremonies were able to continue.  Five thousand Bible school graduates from across India received diplomas and certificates, pledging their lives to the ministry of the Gospel.  In a thought-provoking editorial, Glenn Penner, Communications Director for VOM Canada reflects on a pledge made by last year's graduates from this school.  Do not miss the opportunity to read his weblog (click here).

For more information on the pressure facing Christians in India, click here.

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.

Select a Region

India News

  • Pastor and Church Members Beaten in Violent Attack
    A group of men in white shirts are carrying orange flags and marching through the street.
    Hindu nationalists.
    Photo: Wikipedia / Suyash Dwivedi (cc)
     

    A pastor and several members of his church were physically attacked on September 8th when Hindu nationalists raided a worship service in Bhubaneswar, Odisha State. The Christians were accused of forcibly converting Hindus to Christianity.

    Read more...

  • Family of Deceased Pastor Forcibly Converted to Hinduism
    A group of people are standing in a cemetery.
     

    Pastor Manju, an outspoken leader and prominent advocate for Christian rights in India, pastored churches in two different villages within Chhattisgarh State. Sadly, Pastor Manju suffered a heart attack on August 28th and suddenly passed away, leaving his surviving wife, daughter and two sons grief-stricken and in a state of shock.

    Read more...

  • Concerns of Imminent Violence in Odisha
    A burned out church still shows a cross on the front wall.
    The remains of a church building
    after the attacks in 2008.
    Photo: All India Christian Council (cc)

    Recent reports from reliable sources indicate that Hindu leaders in the state of Odisha are preparing a list of Christian leaders to be attacked during the days to come. Christian leaders have spoken with governing authorities who intend to provide protection. However, the situation is further compounded by the fact that the state is governed by the Hindu nationalist BJP (political party), and the planned attacks coincide with a sensitive time in Hindu/Christian relations.

    Read more...

  • Christians Forced to "Reconvert" to Hinduism
    A street view of a village in Odisha
     A village in Odisha
    Photo: Wikimedia / Strange Burg (cc)

    Around 120 tribal Christians from two villages in Odisha State were forcibly "reconverted" to Hinduism on August 4th during a ceremony known as "ghar wapsi" (meaning "homecoming"). The ceremony involved Hindu and tribal rituals which are believed to "cleanse" those who had previously accepted Christ and wash away any remnants of Christianity.

    Read more...

View All

India Videos

 
India: Christians Face Relentless Pressure To Convert To Hinduism
/component/allvideoshare/category/india.htm
 
Persecution Trends Report for 2024: Nigeria, India, Pakistan and China
/component/allvideoshare/category/india.htm
 
India: Defending Christians Against False Charges of Forcible Conversions
/component/allvideoshare/category/india.htm
 
Persecution Trends Report for 2023: Nigeria, China and India
/component/allvideoshare/category/india.htm
 
India: Church Demolition
/component/allvideoshare/category/india.htm
 
India: Church Planting and Persecution
/component/allvideoshare/category/india.htm
More