As Christians in India face increasing pressure from militant Hindu organizations who often use anti-conversion laws as leverage to accuse Christians, the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has passed new legislation that further tightens their existing anti-conversion legislation. Under the amended legislation, a person wishing to change religion must inform the district magistrate. The priest or organization performing the "conversion rituals" is required to inform the authorities a month in advance and police will verify the credentials of the officiants and ensure that the conversion is being done without force or allurement. Punishments include fines and imprisonments for those failing to follow the proper procedures.
The bill passed the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on July 25 with the majority BJP party refusing to allow discussion on the bill. Opposition members are calling on Governor Balram Jakhar to return the bill without approving it. Government opposition members and Christian leaders see this legislation as a tool that will be used by militant Hindus to further suppress the Christian minority. "Requiring government approval to change one's religion is a gross violation of religious liberty," says Glenn Penner, spokesman for VOMC. "To ask Christians to abide by this law is to ask them to acknowledge that the government has authority that only belongs to God. We render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's but Christians cannot grant unto Caesar that which is God's."
Pray that believers in Madhya Pradesh will echo Peter's sentiment and determine to obey God regardless of what man says (Acts 5:29). Pray that believers will always be prepared to tell others about the hope they have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15). Ask God to work in the hearts of those in leadership to recognize the religious freedom of all Indians. Pray that Governor Balram Jakhar will not approve the bill. Pray for special protection for those who oppose this bill.
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in India, click here.
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